Corbyn: Theresa May’s “no deal” approach to Brexit could be a disaster

These are extracts from the speech given on Brexit by Jeremy Corbyn in Basildon today.

On leaving the EU:  

“The Conservatives’ reckless approach has left us isolated and marginalised, increasing the chances of Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal, which would be the worst outcome for Britain.

“Britain is leaving the EU. But let’s be clear, there is no such thing as ‘no deal’. If we leave without a positive agreement because we have needlessly alienated everyone, we still have to trade with the EU. But on what terms?

“Theresa May says no deal is better than a bad deal. Let’s be clear: ‘no deal’ is in fact a bad deal. It is the worst of all deals because it would leave us with World Trade Organisation tariffs and restrictions, instead of the access to European markets we need.

“That would mean slapping tariffs on the goods we export – an extra 10 per cent on cars – with the risk that key manufacturers would leave for the European mainland, taking skilled jobs with them.

“In sector after sector, ‘no deal’ could prove to be an economic disaster –  Theresa May’s approach risks a jobs meltdown across Britain.”

Labour’s experienced team of negotiators versus the Tory trio:

“The British people have a choice over what priorities, what principles, the British government will take into talks, and which team they trust to lead the difficult negotiations ahead.

“I am proud to be joined here today by Labour’s team of Brexit negotiators: Keir Starmer; Emily Thornberry; and Barry Gardiner. A team with the skills and experience to get the best for Britain, as we move towards leaving the European Union.

“We know the three Tories in whose hands Theresa May has placed our national future – David Davis, Boris Johnson and Liam Fox.  Now you know I don’t do personal attacks, so let me just say that in Labour’s Brexit team, there is no one who has fibbed to the British people about spending an extra £350m a week on the NHS because of Brexit, and nobody who has promised to use Brexit to slash workers’ rights or slash tax for big corporations in a continental race to the bottom.”

And a Labour Brexit will include:

“A deal that will allow us to upgrade our economy through public investment in infrastructure and high skilled jobs. A deal that will make Britain a centre for science, technology and research, attracting the brightest and best from around the country and the world, through strategic investment.

“A deal that allows us to transform Britain into a country with the strongest rights and protections, and ends exploitation and undercutting in the labour market. A deal that allows us to become a country that values and protects its public services and invests in its communities.

“And a deal that will allow Britain to be a safe and outward looking country, strengthening friendships and working with allies to create a better future for our country, continent and our planet.”