Opinion

Corbyn's backing for customs union a welcome step

Jeremy Corbyn's speech in Coventry yesterday may well prove to be a pivotal moment in the confused and tortuous journey towards the UK leaving the European Union.

A natural eurosceptic, the Labour leader has been largely content to let the Tories fight and squabble among themselves while a beleaguered and uninspiring prime minister tries to hold everything together and cling to office.

As a political strategy, Labour's approach is not without merit although many in the party are clearly itching to offer a more defined position on Brexit than the ambiguity that has been on offer to date.

At the weekend, more than 80 senior Labour figures called on Mr Corbyn to keep the UK in the existing European Economic Area, participating in the single market and not just having access to it.

This intervention came ahead of Mr Corbyn's speech which shifted party policy towards backing a 'new and comprehensive customs union' but not continued membership of the single market.

In that respect, some within his party will believe he has not gone far enough but he has undoubtedly raised the stakes in terms of Theresa May's position, increasing the chances of the government being defeated by a combination of opposition parties and Conservative rebels.

Those concerned by the implications of Brexit on this island will feel encouraged by Mr Corbyn's support for a customs union which he said would ensure there are no tariffs with Europe and help avoid the need for a hard border.

In his remarks, the Labour leader highlighted the peace process, which he said must be cherished, and also took the opportunity to praise the Good Friday Agreement as a 'great achievement', paying tribute to Tony Blair in particular - something that does not happen very often.

Overall, there are many positive elements in this speech which will be welcomed by all those who recognise that tariffs and border controls will be bad for the economy of Ireland, north and south, as well as Britain.