Corbyn sets out post-Brext vision for customs union

Speaking in Coventry, the labour leader said his party would seek a final deal that gives Britain full access to European markets and maintains the benefits of the single market and the customs union.

“We have long argued that a customs union is a viable option for the final deal,” said Corbyn. “So Labour would seek to negotiate a new comprehensive UK-EU customs union to ensure that there are no tariffs with Europe and to help avoid any need for a hard border in Northern Ireland.

“But we are also clear that the option of a new UK customs union with the EU would need to ensure the UK has a say in future trade deals.

Corbyn added that a new customs arrangement would depend on Britain being able to negotiate agreement of new trade deals in the national interest.

“Labour would not countenance a deal that left Britain as a passive recipient of rules decided elsewhere by others,” he said. “That would mean ending up as mere rule takers."