Eurosceptic fears grow over a potential customs union pivot

After refusing to meet with Theresa May until she ruled out a no deal Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn finally held talks with the Prime Minister this afternoon. Accompanied by members of his inner circle – Seumas Milne and Karie Murphy – the Labour leader used the meeting to put May under pressure on the customs union.

Corbyn discussed with May the best way to secure a Brexit deal which can command a majority in the Commons – arguing that this was by moving to support a permanent customs union between the UK and EU. However, depending on who you speak to, there are varying reports of how that suggestion was received. A spokesman for Corbyn insists that May showed a ‘serious engagement in the detail’ of Corbyn’s proposal for a customs union with the EU. However, Downing Street insist that May has not shifted her position – and used the meeting to insist on the need for the UK to forge independent free trade deals.