Corbyn prepared to back single market access post-Brexit

Labour’s Brexit position has become even more unclear after Jeremy Corbyn said at the start of the week that the party could be open to staying in the single market following the UK’s departure from the bloc.

A Norway-style agreement to remain outside the EU but avail itself of the world’s largest single market has been ruled out by Brussels, while the Conservative government has stated its preference for a so-called hard Brexit.

Labour has seen its position become muddled in recent weeks amid contradictory remarks from its senior figures even as they struggle to clear up their position on Brexit.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme on Monday, Labour leader Corbyn appeared to suggest that remaining part of the single market was still an option.

"There has to be a trade relationship with Europe," Corbyn said.

"Whether that is formally within the single market, or whether that is an agreement to trade within the single market, I think is open for discussion and negotiation."

Leading members of Labour said last month that the party would be in favour of remaining in the single market and customs union as part of a Brexit transition period, as well as abiding by EU rules such as free movement of goods and people.