Corbyn unlikely to support Brexit deal between Johnson and EU
The Labour Party leader urges caution for those who would vote for a deal, even if they don't really agree with it.
Monday 14 October 2019 01:36, UK
Jeremy Corbyn says he is unlikely to support a deal agreed between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the EU.
The Labour Party leader was speaking during Sky News show Sophy Ridge on Sunday when he said: "I think the problem areas are of regulation and deregulation which come from whatever trade arrangement there is with Europe and the wider world but also perhaps very seriously is the Irish border issue.
"And if it creates a border down the Irish Sea rather than on the Irish border itself, I can see that bringing problems."
He also said he would "caution" MPs against backing a confirmatory referendum on any deal.
He said: "I think many in parliament, not necessarily Labour MPs but others, might be more inclined to support it even if they don't really agree with the deal.
"But I would caution them on this because my view would be that I would want a deal that resembles the five pillars we've put forward and that obviously would command support and obviously does have wide support within the Labour Party and the trade unions."
Mr Corbyn said: "I want us to protect those workers' rights, consumer and environmental rights, I want us to have that trade relationship with Europe.
"Look, in the week when Nissan says there's a question mark over Sunderland because of the possibility of a no-deal exit from the European Union and we're already seeing job losses across the country, and we're seeing siren calls from business and unions all over the country about job losses, I think we've got to be very, very cautious."
Last week, the carmaker warned a no-deal Brexit would leave its European business unsustainable, raising concerns over the future of production at its Sunderland plant.
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Mr Corbyn's words came as UK and EU officials negotiated through the weekend in an attempt to agree the basis of a deal which could be put to EU leaders at this week's crucial Brussels summit starting on Thursday.
Reports from Brussels claimed the prime minister had tried to revive a proposal first suggested by Theresa May for a customs partnership between the UK and the EU.
Intended to avoid the need for customs controls on the island of Ireland, it would see Northern Ireland remain politically in a customs union with the EU but it would be administered by the UK.