Corbyn to host alternative Brexit summit for European progressives

Jeremy Corbyn is hatching a plan to hold an alternative Brexit summit to ensure that people marginalised from the current debate are given a platform. He has invited socialist and social democratic leaders from across Europe to come and discuss issues surrounding the UK leaving the European Union.

Corbyn made the proposal yesterday during a meeting with representatives from the Party of European Socialists (PES), Labour’s sister parties across the continent.

He made the trip yesterday with Rosie Winterton, Labour’s new envoy for international relations with sister parties, shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer, and Labour peer Jan Royall.

Businesses, charities and trade unions will be invited to the conference to discuss areas affected by Brexit that are being otherwise ignored by the Conservative Government.

Labour MP Melanie Onn this week warned that workers’ rights are at risk, while MEP Judith Kirton-Darling writes on LabourList today that the Tories will not be able to strike a good deal alone. On Wednesday, MPs voted against protecting EU citizens’ right to live in the UK following Brexit. These are among the topics expected to be raised at the Corbyn-arranged conference.

This seems to be another example of Corbyn attempting to put pressure of the Government, and Theresa May, from outside of the usual confines of Parliament. It also bears resemblance – on a different scale – to the Momentum ‘World Transformed’ festival that took place alongside Labour conference in Liverpool this year.

A spokesperson for Jeremy Corbyn said: “Progressive leaders across the EU will be invited to London in February to a dinner with the Shadow Cabinet, followed by a conference which will include speakers from parts of society that have not had their voices heard in the Brexit debate. This will include business, NGOs and trade unions.”