Labour’s shambolic sell-out over Brexit

CAN anyone explain Labour’s position on Brexit? The Mail asks because of Jeremy Corbyn’s claim that confusion over ministers’ objectives makes the Tories unfit to govern. Look who’s talking!

One moment the Opposition is in favour of staying in the single market and the customs union. The next it’s against. One moment it believes we should end freedom of movement. The next it declares we should keep our borders wide open. One moment it demands a second referendum. The next it says last year’s result is final. It all depends what day of the week it may be, or which Labour front bencher happens to be speaking.

As a service to readers, let this paper try to summarise the latest stands adopted by Mr Corbyn and his inner team – though they may change at any moment.

After much wavering, the Labour leader himself has said freedom of movement must end after Brexit – while his front bench spokesman on immigration, Diane Abbott, says it should continue.

Meanwhile, John McDonnell has said respecting the referendum result means leaving the single market, with shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner adding that it would be a disaster to remain in the customs union.

But wait a minute. Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson says we should stay in the single market and customs union, while the party’s Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer apparently agrees (although he has also said freedom of movement must end, which it can’t if we stay in the single market).

Confused? You’re not alone. Indeed, the Government’s position is a model of clarity beside the Opposition’s shambles.

True, aspects of the talks remain shrouded in mystery – not least, our offer to resolve the Irish border issue by promising to keep UK policy ‘aligned’ with the EU in certain areas. What precisely does this mean?

But the fact that Brussels was ready to sign this meaningless fudge – after earlier insisting trade talks couldn’t proceed without a firm agreement on Ireland – shows our partners are as eager as us to press on.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet is united on the key issues, insisting Brexit must mean pulling out of the single market and customs union and ending free movement.

This is what huge numbers in Labour’s traditional heartlands voted for last year. As he presides over his shambolic team, twisting and turning to undermine the Government and give comfort to Brussels, does Mr Corbyn ever give a thought to his party’s core supporters?