Jeremy Corbyn to host Brexit summit for EU socialists
The Labour leader arranges a February gathering in London ahead of Theresa May's expected triggering of Article 50.
Thursday 20 October 2016 17:50, UK
Jeremy Corbyn has told Sky News he is inviting Europe's left-wing leaders to London for an alternative summit on Brexit.
The Labour leader said he made the decision because EU leaders are "disappointed" with a lack of clarity from the Government.
Mr Corbyn, who was in Brussels ahead of the Prime Minister's first EU Summit, said: "I've been trying to reach out to European leaders to say we want the closest possible relationship with Europe in the future while respecting the result of referendum.
"We particularly want trade access, we particularly want to protect jobs in Britain.
"What I've detected from them is they are very pleased to meet us to have those discussions, and they are more than a bit disappointed the Government has been less than clear with them about what Brexit actually means."
Mr Corbyn added that he will chair a special Brexit conference during the first week of February, just seven weeks before the expected triggering of Article 50.
"I have invited all the socialist party leaders, many of whom are in government, to come to a much bigger conference in London," he said.
"We can have a big round table on how we build that relationship, respecting the result of the referendum but also about what happens to our industries in the future.
"It's a helpful diplomatic approach where we don't hector and lecture people ... we're here to support and talk to them and explain what has happened and explain there's got to be a way forward for all of us in Europe."
Mr Corbyn claims it is not about stopping Brexit, but he his concerned about the future of British industry if the UK "cuts itself off".