We must keep Brexit options open: Pat McFadden
Pat McFadden says Labour should keep open the option of remaining part of the EU customs union as Labour set out its Brexit plans should it win the General Election.
The Wolverhampton South East MP warned that the Government may have been 'too quick' to suggest it would walk away from the customs union in favour of aiming for new international trade deals.
His comments came after shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer vowed to implement existing EU laws guaranteeing worker rights and environmental standards as he set out Labour's policy on Brexit.
Mr McFadden also criticised a tactical voting list produced by Open Britain, the cross-party, pro-EU group he is a part of. Speaking as he launched his campaign to defend a 10,767 majority in his constituency, Mr McFadden said: "I think the Government may well have been too quick to leap to the conclusion that we should leave the customs union."
Critics have warned that remaining part of the customs union could severely restrict the prospect of independent UK trade deals. Asked over the potential of Labour's stance, Mr McFadden added: "I am committed to securing the best possible deal, in terms of trade, security and investment. Our biggest trading partner is the EU, so our future trading position with them really matters. I think we need to keep our options as open as possible."
Meanwhile Open Britain has been rocked after three high-profile Tory MPs quit the group after it launched a push encouraging voters to unseat prominent pro-Brexit MPs. Nicky Morgan, Anna Soubry and Dominic Grieve released a statement saying it was 'untenable' for them to support it anymore. Mr McFadden said he understood why they had stood down, but added: "A lot of organisations produce these national target lists and I don't think voters pay them much attention at all."
