Labour may support staying in a Norway-style close relationship with the EU in another Brexit U-turn
EEA membership means staying in the single market, a red line for the PM because it would also mean free movement
LABOUR may support staying in a Norway-style close relationship with the EU at a Commons showdown, it’s deputy leader revealed.
Tom Watson said the major policy shift to back EEA membership is a possibility before major votes on Brexit in two weeks time.
Rebel Tory MPs are also threatening to back a Lords Amendment to the landmark EU Withdrawal Bill to join the European Economic Area, leaving Theresa May facing another crippling defeat.
EEA membership means staying in the single market, a red line for the PM because it would also mean free movement continuing.
But more than 70 Labour MPs are pressing Jeremy Corbyn into another Brexit U-turn to back EEA membership.
Quizzed on whether the option is still open, Mr Watson said: “I guess it is. We haven’t made a decision yet”.
But he also suggested a deep split remained on the move, adding: “We’ve been pretty clear that there are deficiencies in the Norway model that might not work for a bespoke UK deal”.
The EEA threat is a second major challenge for Mrs May’s Brexit plans, after pro-EU Tory MPs also pledged to vote with Labour to keep the UK in a customs union with the EU.
most read in politics
Tory Brexit minister Steve Baker dubbed Mr Watson’s remarks as “the latest sign that Labour are trying to frustrate Brexit”.
Mr Baker added: “Staying in the EEA would mean following EU rules with no say, committing to free movement, and not delivering the change the country needs.”