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| Labour’s new soft Brexit policy could create electoral problems | Labour’s new soft Brexit policy could create electoral problems |
| (5 months later) | |
| Letters | |
| Tue 29 Aug 2017 19.16 BST | |
| Last modified on Mon 27 Nov 2017 17.49 GMT | |
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| The publicity now given to the decision of Her Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition to start opposing the government on Europe is indicative of its curious failure to do so hitherto (Report, 28 August). Labour’s new policy of a very soft Brexit is to be welcomed, but for all the advocates of such a policy there is the huge question mark hovering overhead – why advocate adhering to the single market and the customs union without also insisting on being part of the decision-making process on the rules of these bodies? This is the essential weakness of those who keep insisting that the UK will leave the EU. | The publicity now given to the decision of Her Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition to start opposing the government on Europe is indicative of its curious failure to do so hitherto (Report, 28 August). Labour’s new policy of a very soft Brexit is to be welcomed, but for all the advocates of such a policy there is the huge question mark hovering overhead – why advocate adhering to the single market and the customs union without also insisting on being part of the decision-making process on the rules of these bodies? This is the essential weakness of those who keep insisting that the UK will leave the EU. |
| Your leader (So far, so good. Labour’s soft Brexit move changes the debate, 28 August) states that “further steps are not ruled out”; unless this includes taking the first opportunity to reverse article 50, Labour’s change of direction is only taking us down a side alley.Michael MeadowcroftLeeds | Your leader (So far, so good. Labour’s soft Brexit move changes the debate, 28 August) states that “further steps are not ruled out”; unless this includes taking the first opportunity to reverse article 50, Labour’s change of direction is only taking us down a side alley.Michael MeadowcroftLeeds |
| • It matters much less what Labour party policy is on our transition out of the EU, than what their policy is on the shape of the final destination. We are given to understand that Jeremy Corbyn would favour remaining in the single market and customs union long term, rather than leave it altogether, if he is able to negotiate a special arrangement for the UK on the issue of freedom of movement. Isn’t that remarkably similar to the policy that David Cameron followed in 2015? Cameron, of course, failed. Corbyn might be more successful and produce a new freedom of movement deal for the UK acceptable to all 27 EU states and to the UK electorate. If that happens then one of the biggest issues for the electorate goes away. So why focus now on just the single market and customs union? Why leave the EU at all? Surely any successful negotiations on this issue should prompt another referendum.Shaun SoperMidhurst, West Sussex | • It matters much less what Labour party policy is on our transition out of the EU, than what their policy is on the shape of the final destination. We are given to understand that Jeremy Corbyn would favour remaining in the single market and customs union long term, rather than leave it altogether, if he is able to negotiate a special arrangement for the UK on the issue of freedom of movement. Isn’t that remarkably similar to the policy that David Cameron followed in 2015? Cameron, of course, failed. Corbyn might be more successful and produce a new freedom of movement deal for the UK acceptable to all 27 EU states and to the UK electorate. If that happens then one of the biggest issues for the electorate goes away. So why focus now on just the single market and customs union? Why leave the EU at all? Surely any successful negotiations on this issue should prompt another referendum.Shaun SoperMidhurst, West Sussex |
| • The Socialist Labour party warned that the Labour party would betray not only its members but the democratic vote by the British people to leave the European Union. As soon as that vote was announced on 23 June 2016, Britain should have left the EU, including the customs union, the single market and, above all, the “free movement of labour and capital” which has seen the population of Britain rise from 59 million to 67 million. The UK should not pay a penny or cent to the EU. If the border in Ireland is a concern, the solution is simple: return Northern Ireland back to the Republic of Ireland from where it was taken.Arthur ScargillLeader, Socialist Labour party | • The Socialist Labour party warned that the Labour party would betray not only its members but the democratic vote by the British people to leave the European Union. As soon as that vote was announced on 23 June 2016, Britain should have left the EU, including the customs union, the single market and, above all, the “free movement of labour and capital” which has seen the population of Britain rise from 59 million to 67 million. The UK should not pay a penny or cent to the EU. If the border in Ireland is a concern, the solution is simple: return Northern Ireland back to the Republic of Ireland from where it was taken.Arthur ScargillLeader, Socialist Labour party |
| • Labour’s establishment tendency has made its major play to sabotage the prospects of a Labour government seriously challenging austerity with this plan to stitch up a transitional deal that would keep Britain in the single market and customs union. The prospect that a Labour government might sweep away the austerity straitjacket is weakened with the commitment to fully accept the EU treaties, rules and directives that constrain public spending, inhibit public ownership and police the EU marketisation regime. The decision will threaten Corbyn’s reputation for straightforward dealing and honesty. Millions of Labour voters – including many who were won back in the last election – will see this as a betrayal. Corbyn’s careful positioning on Brexit, his immediate pledge to respect the referendum result, his emphasis on protecting the rights of EU citizens living and working here, and on strengthened workers’ rights for all went a long way to detoxify the post Brexit debate. This is now threatened.Nick WrightCommunist Party | • Labour’s establishment tendency has made its major play to sabotage the prospects of a Labour government seriously challenging austerity with this plan to stitch up a transitional deal that would keep Britain in the single market and customs union. The prospect that a Labour government might sweep away the austerity straitjacket is weakened with the commitment to fully accept the EU treaties, rules and directives that constrain public spending, inhibit public ownership and police the EU marketisation regime. The decision will threaten Corbyn’s reputation for straightforward dealing and honesty. Millions of Labour voters – including many who were won back in the last election – will see this as a betrayal. Corbyn’s careful positioning on Brexit, his immediate pledge to respect the referendum result, his emphasis on protecting the rights of EU citizens living and working here, and on strengthened workers’ rights for all went a long way to detoxify the post Brexit debate. This is now threatened.Nick WrightCommunist Party |
| • The senior Labour MPs in heartland seats are quite right to be concerned about the change in Labour’s Brexit stance. This policy may be fine when Labour is in government, but even if Theresa May’s government falls tomorrow, it makes taking power much more difficult. Labour need another 60 seats; where will those seats come from if they alienate the former Labour voters who voted leave? As a matter of urgency, Labour needs to put together and publicise policies on immigration, investment and jobs for the communities left behind by successive governments, Labour and Tory, over the past 40 years. | • The senior Labour MPs in heartland seats are quite right to be concerned about the change in Labour’s Brexit stance. This policy may be fine when Labour is in government, but even if Theresa May’s government falls tomorrow, it makes taking power much more difficult. Labour need another 60 seats; where will those seats come from if they alienate the former Labour voters who voted leave? As a matter of urgency, Labour needs to put together and publicise policies on immigration, investment and jobs for the communities left behind by successive governments, Labour and Tory, over the past 40 years. |
| Plans need to be set out to tackle poverty wages and increase opportunities for good, well-paid and secure employment in current blackspots. Undercutting of wages must end, the problem of delays with GP appointments tackled. There must be an agreed plan for investment in social (not just affordable) housing. Labour needs to spell out plans to improve road and rail networks in the north and Midlands; the transport minister saying last week that it is up to councils in the north to improve rail links between northern cities is a disgrace. | Plans need to be set out to tackle poverty wages and increase opportunities for good, well-paid and secure employment in current blackspots. Undercutting of wages must end, the problem of delays with GP appointments tackled. There must be an agreed plan for investment in social (not just affordable) housing. Labour needs to spell out plans to improve road and rail networks in the north and Midlands; the transport minister saying last week that it is up to councils in the north to improve rail links between northern cities is a disgrace. |
| Labour needs a bold plan to tackle the problems felt by the communities left behind. Labour gave people hope in 1945. It needs to do nothing less in 2017 if it is to have any realistic possibility of putting its Brexit plans into action.Phil TateEdinburgh | Labour needs a bold plan to tackle the problems felt by the communities left behind. Labour gave people hope in 1945. It needs to do nothing less in 2017 if it is to have any realistic possibility of putting its Brexit plans into action.Phil TateEdinburgh |
| • When will we come to accept the reality that there is no such thing as “soft Brexit”. As Professor Bogdanor wrote in your paper (Another referendum on Brexit looks more likely by the day, 3 August) “the ultimate choice we face is either ‘hard Brexit’ or remain”. Soft Brexit, as now proposed by the Labour party, implies for an undefined period of time accepting EU rules and regulations, the jurisdiction of the European court of justice, paying into the EU budget and, crucially, accepting free movement of labour. So in reality no Brexit at all. This might be the best approach, but to call it any form of Brexit is a delusion.John ShepperdLondon | • When will we come to accept the reality that there is no such thing as “soft Brexit”. As Professor Bogdanor wrote in your paper (Another referendum on Brexit looks more likely by the day, 3 August) “the ultimate choice we face is either ‘hard Brexit’ or remain”. Soft Brexit, as now proposed by the Labour party, implies for an undefined period of time accepting EU rules and regulations, the jurisdiction of the European court of justice, paying into the EU budget and, crucially, accepting free movement of labour. So in reality no Brexit at all. This might be the best approach, but to call it any form of Brexit is a delusion.John ShepperdLondon |
| • If Labour policies are henceforth to be dictated by the need to keep the “Ukip vote”, then one has to ask, what exactly is the point of the Labour party? Are we now back to the days of “power at all costs” and “my party, right or wrong”? And if the party leadership should cave in to the demands of those MPs opposing the policy change, wouldn’t it simply mean Labour losing votes in “remain” areas, in favour of parties with slightly more principle, such as the Greens?Jim GrozierBrighton | • If Labour policies are henceforth to be dictated by the need to keep the “Ukip vote”, then one has to ask, what exactly is the point of the Labour party? Are we now back to the days of “power at all costs” and “my party, right or wrong”? And if the party leadership should cave in to the demands of those MPs opposing the policy change, wouldn’t it simply mean Labour losing votes in “remain” areas, in favour of parties with slightly more principle, such as the Greens?Jim GrozierBrighton |
| • Good to see that the Labour party is now pressing for a four-year transitional period before we leave the single market and the customs union. So instead of rushing headlong over a cliff, we will now march over the same cliff, but just more slowly. Some choice.Colin BurkeManchester | • Good to see that the Labour party is now pressing for a four-year transitional period before we leave the single market and the customs union. So instead of rushing headlong over a cliff, we will now march over the same cliff, but just more slowly. Some choice.Colin BurkeManchester |
| • Now that Corbyn has decided to stay in the single market, will he now apologise to the four MPs whom he sacked from the shadow cabinet in June for supporting it? And reinstate them, please?Ian FairlieLondon | • Now that Corbyn has decided to stay in the single market, will he now apologise to the four MPs whom he sacked from the shadow cabinet in June for supporting it? And reinstate them, please?Ian FairlieLondon |
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| • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters | • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters |
| Brexit | |
| Article 50 | |
| European Union | |
| Foreign policy | |
| Jeremy Corbyn | |
| Labour | |
| letters | |
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