U.K. Labour opposition seeks softer version of Brexit
LONDON — Britain’s main opposition party said Monday that it wants the U.K. to remain in a customs union with the European Union after it leaves the bloc — a small but significant shift that could push the government toward a softer version of Brexit.
Labour Party leader Jeremy
Corbyn clarified his party’s previously convoluted position on Brexit, saying the U.K. must retain close economic ties with the EU, including a tariff-free customs deal. That is something Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative government appears to have ruled out.
“Labour would seek to negotiate a new, comprehensive U.K.EU customs union to ensure there are no tariffs with Europe and to help avoid any need whatsoever for a hard border in Northern Ireland,” Corbyn said in a speech.
The future of the currently invisible border between Northern Ireland, which is in the U.K., and EU member Ireland is one of the thorniest issues in Brexit negotiations.
May argues that staying in a customs union, which allows goods to travel freely within the EU and imposes tariffs on many goods from outside the bloc, would limit Britain’s freedom to strike new trade deals around the world after it leaves the EU in 2019.
But her stance has angered some in her party who support a “soft Brexit” that sees Britain retaining close economic ties with the EU, the country’s biggest trading partner.
Corbyn’s speech could increase the likelihood of Conservative rebels uniting with Labour lawmakers to win a vote in Parliament committing Britain to a customs union with the bloc.