Brexiteer mocks ‘wishful thinking' after Labour branch backs UK rejoining customs union

Labour Party members have been mocked by a leading Brexiteer for their “wishful thinking" after backing a motion calling for the UK to rejoin the European Union’s customs union and single market - eight years after Britons voted to sever ties with Brussels.

And former MEP Richard Corbett, who shared the news on X, was also slapped down for “lifting stats from parallel universes” to back up his case.

Mr Corbett served two separate terms in the European Parliament, from 1999 and 2009, and from 2009 and 2014.

A member of the Labour Movement for Europe and a vociferous advocate of rejoining the bloc, he yesterday posted: "Labour Party local branch in Shipley (Yorkshire) tonight unanimously approved a motion calling on the Labour government to rejoin the EU’s single market and customs union, to reduce the £40bn a year of lost tax revenue caused by Brexit.”

The figure stems from a report by pro-European think tank the Centre for European Reform (CER) estimated in June 2023 that the UK economy was 5.5 percent smaller than it would have been if the country had remained in the EU.

The CER calculated that this economic hit translated to around £40 billion less in tax receipts annually for the UK government.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has also forecast that the long-term effect of Brexit will reduce the UK's GDP by around four percent, which aligns with these broader estimates of reduced revenue.

Dr Lee Rotherham, an EU expert and prominent Brexiteer who was Vote Leave’s director of special projects, told Express.co.uk: “Labour must really think little of David Lammy’s capabilities if Shipley Labour Party is now trying to run an independent foreign policy.

“The figures cited by Rejoiners are selective bunkum based on guesswork, stats lifted from parallel universes, and wishful thinking.

"Though rejoining the EU would give some former MEPs their gravy train jobs back, so at least someone wins.

“£40 billion is a figure pulled magically out of the air by a shallow comparison between a handful of disparate economies made in the middle of a Covid, food and energy crisis. I would have more confidence in share advice from Karl Marx.”

Sir Keir Starmer has been clear in stating that the UK will not rejoin the European Union under his leadership, nor will it seek to re-enter the EU's single market or customs union.

Sir Keir has consistently said that Brexit is "done" and that the UK needs to move forward and make Brexit work.

His focus has been on improving the existing relationship with the EU rather than reopening the debate over EU membership.

At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz last month, Sir Keir stressed the importance of improving relations post-Brexit, while both leaders discussed cooperation in various areas, including trade, migration, and security.

He said he was "absolutely clear" the government wanted to reset relations with Europe.

Sir Keir added: "That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union.

"But it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defence, including exchanges."

The Labour leader's stance has nevertheless drawn criticism from those who believe he is attempting to reverse Brexit.

Speaking after Sir Keir’s remarks, Tory shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake accused the PM of "cosying up to politicians in Germany and calling for a closer relationship with Europe”.

He added: "Starmer has spent his entire political career plotting to reverse Brexit.

“So it doesn't take a genius to see where the new Labour government is headed."