Hard Brexiteers are naturally accusing the Labour leadership of a U-Turn over Brexit, because as the realities become ever clearer, it has decided to advocate the only course available to reduce the negative impact of the whole Brexit folly. This is to support a transitional period when, after formally leaving, we remain inside both the single market and customs union for however long it takes to reach a final settlement. During that time all the current rules will have to apply including the four freedoms. After that it may be even possible to remain in both the market and the union on some Norway style deal.
In case anyone worries that this may damage Labour’s electoral prospects it is worth recording that research has revealed that two thirds of Labour voters voted Remain, even in heavily Leave voting areas, so Labour has no choice but to put the economy and jobs first and above whimsical sound bites about Global Britain, which mean nothing. In the EU we are a leading member of the world’ largest trading area and common market and through that relationship we have trading deals with 37 other countries. All of that goes if we leave and we have to start from scratch with everybody. Even to get back to square one could take years.
Daily it becomes ever clearer that the deal offered in the referendum was never available in the terms described with the outcomes promised. As the truth of one of the greatest political cons in history dawns, the mandate would be reversed if put to the test. The majority in the country know this, the EU knows this, and all the political parties in the UK know this save for three, the Tory party, the DUP and the near defunct UKIP. They are in denial, but soon even the for them the truth will become impossible any longer to avoid.