Corbyn in shambles over Article 50 threat

LABOUR’S policy on Europe descended into farce last night as the party was forced to backtrack on threats by Jeremy Corbyn to thwart Brexit.

The leader suggested in an interview that he would block plans to trigger Article 50 – which begins the process of leaving the EU – unless the Prime Minister guarantees access to the single market.

Mr Corbyn also seemed to suggest he could force a general election in spring if Theresa May loses a Commons vote on Article 50.

But Labour sources promptly clarified his comments, saying the party’s support for invoking Article 50 was ‘unconditional’ and it would seek only to ‘amend or influence’ ministers’ negotiating strategy.

Deputy leader Tom Watson told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘We are not going to hold this up. The British people have spoken and Article 50 will be triggered when it comes to Westminster. Ultimately when the vote comes Labour will support Theresa May to trigger Article 50.’

Mr Corbyn had told the Sunday Mirror that the UK must have continued tariff-free access to the single market, with no watering down of workers’ rights. He also called for protections for consumers and the environment.

He said Labour would vote against Mrs May unless she accepted the party’s ‘Brexit bottom line’.