Why Brexit Supporters Won't Accept Corbyn's Customs Union Proposal

11 February 2019, 07:53 | Updated: 11 February 2019, 08:00

As Theresa May agrees to talks with Jeremy Corbyn to attempt to solve the Brexit deadlock, LBC's Political Editor explains why Brexiteers will not accept his proposal.

The Labour leader wrote to the Prime Minister to say he would back her deal if it included a customs union with the EU.

If she agrees, there could be enough support in parliament to get a deal through, but Theo Usherwood explains why it could split the Conservative Party in two.

Speaking to Nick Ferrari, he said: "If the UK stays in a permanent customs union, the British government cannot go to China, to Australia, to America and sign free trade deals. That simply isn't allowed.

"Jeremy Corbyn has also talked about a closer relationship with the single market. If we have a closer relationship with the single market, what does that mean for immigration and controlling our borders?

"The Labour leader has been very unclear about that and that is the fear for the Brexiteers."

Jeremy Corbyn signs his letter to Theresa May
Jeremy Corbyn signs his letter to Theresa May. Picture: PA

Theo also laid out the week ahead for Brexit, with Thursday's significant vote now not expected to happen.

He added: "Thursday was supposed to be the big vote. That simply isn't going to happen now because the government hasn't sorted a deal with the European Union.

"There will now be a lot of focus on the future of Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. He'll be waking up this morning, thinking 'Why always me?'.

"There was the failed train timetables, the drones at Gatwick and Heathrow and then of course, the decision to award a £14million government contract - taxpayers' money - to a company to supply emergency ferry services in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

"The only problem was the Seaborne Freight, the company in question, didn't own any ferries.

"With 46 days to go, the contract to run the service between Ramsgate and Ostend has collapsed amid increasing worry that the UK is simply not prepared for a no-deal Brexit.

"There are now cross-party calls for the Prime Minister to sack Chris Grayling, including Tory MP Anna Soubry and Lib Dem leader Vince Cable."

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

Caller Som has a warning from the past as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates.

Caller Som has a warning from history as Israel and Iran conflict escalates

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller Layla

Caller Layla fears for her daughters following Kemi Badenoch's Burqa comments

Caller Barry

LBC caller backs the government's reversal on the winter fuel allowence

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

Exclusive
'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams government

'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams the government

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’ | LBC’s best callers of the week

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’: LBC’s best callers of the week

'Farage is a media-made man'

David and Nick debate whether 'tiny and ridiculous' Reform gets too much airtime

Tube worker John

Tube worker shares his close encounters with fare dodgers

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions