In a powerful intervention on the international stage, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has issued a stark demand for Britain to reverse its Brexit course and rejoin the European single market and customs union.
The veteran left-wing politician delivered his blistering assessment during a major address in Wellington, New Zealand, where he declared Britain's departure from the EU a complete failure that has damaged the economy and diminished the country's global standing.
The Wellington Declaration
Speaking with conviction, Corbyn stated: "The British people were promised a brighter future outside the EU, but instead they've been handed higher prices, greater bureaucracy, and damaged international relations."
He pointed to economic analyses showing Britain becoming poorer compared to European neighbours, arguing that rejoining the single market represents the most pragmatic solution to the current crisis.
Academic Backing
Corbyn's position aligns with recent studies from European research institutions indicating that smaller economies benefit significantly from single market access. His comments reflect a growing consensus among experts that Brexit has fundamentally harmed British economic interests.
The former opposition leader emphasised that rejoining the single market wouldn't require full EU membership, but would restore crucial trade links and remove damaging barriers that have hampered British businesses since 2020.
Political Implications
This intervention places Corbyn squarely at odds with the current Labour leadership under Keir Starmer, who has ruled out rejoining the single market. The speech signals Corbyn's intention to continue influencing the Brexit debate from outside Parliament.
Political analysts suggest Corbyn's Wellington address may galvanise the pro-European wing of British politics and increase pressure on the government to seek closer ties with Brussels.
As Britain continues to grapple with the economic consequences of its decision to leave the EU, Corbyn's call for single market reaccession adds a significant voice to the growing debate about Britain's European future.
