WATCH Keir Starmer insists Labour’s Brexit stance is ‘not a U-turn, it’s a development’
2 min read
Labour’s Keir Starmer has defended his party’s stance over Brexit, saying its evolving position was part of a process of ‘development’ rather than a 'U-turn’.
Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, the Shadow Brexit Secretary insisted that Labour was “united” over its policy for the UK to remain within the single market and in a customs union with the EU during the transitional period that will begin in March 2019.
He said: “It’s not a U-turn, it’s a development of our policy. Now on the question of what are the terms of the transitional arrangements, Labour has never said anything other than we would retain the benefits of the single market and the customs union.”
Mr Starmer was also keen to put “into context” Tom Watson’s remarks after Labour’s Deputy Leader suggested that the UK could stay in the single market permanently.
He said: “We are open to a discussion that leaves a customs union with the EU on the table as a viable option. We haven’t swept that off the table. And a changed relationship with the single market because if you want to retain the benefits you have got to be open to that discussion.”
The uncertainly over Labour’s position has played out over the summer, with Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both saying that the UK could not retain single market membership post-Brexit.
Appearing on ITV's Peston on Sunday programme on 11 June, Mr McDonnell said: "People will interpret membership of the single market as not respecting that referendum."
A month later Jeremy Corbyn went even further, insisting that being in the single market was "inextricably linked" with being a member of the EU.
Referring to the various interventions, Mr Starmer said: “The argument that has been there has been about what the final position is. But this is a development of our policy. It’s an important development, and what’s really really important about this summer is that Labour has got to a united and a clear position.”
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