Scheduled speech by Labour Party leader Corbyn now being reported 26 Feb

  • 20 months after the Brexit referendum UK is still in the dark about govt plans
  • Labour respects referendum result
  • priority is to get best deal for jobs and economy
  • Labour would legislate immediately to guarantee rights of EU citizens in UK
  • will use funds returned from Brussels to fund jobs and services
  • Brexit process must not leave Britain worse of
  • wants to work with EU on climate change and tax dodging
  • leaving the EU risks leaving a shock to the economy unless right plans and protection are in place
  • makes no sense to abandon EU agencies and tariff-free trade that have served UK well
  • post-Brexit tariffs would damage exporters to EU
  • UK needs bespoke relationship with EU after Brexit
  • Labour would seek to remain in acustoms union and a single market with EU
  • MPs from all parties should all join Labour in calling for a new customs union with EU
  • 'Labour won't support a Tory govt deal that threatens jobs and services

"Labour would seek a final deal that gives full access to European markets and maintains the benefits of the single market and the customs union... with no new impediments to trade and no reduction in rights, standards and protections," he said.

"We have long argued that a customs union is a viable option for the final deal. So Labour would seek to negotiate a new comprehensive UK-EU customs union to ensure that there are no tariffs with Europe and to help avoid any need for a hard border in Northern Ireland"

That's the nub of it, and the week-end comments. A change in stance from their election manifesto last year. A customs union now their preference. Still no specific detail so conjecture will continue as to Labour's real agenda.

GBP pairs similarly confused by it all after the early demand.

I previewed the speech and perceived change of Labour tactics here

Corbyn lays out Labour's current position on Brexit