LONDON: British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is facing increasing pressure to change the party’s Brexit stance ahead of a key speech on Britain’s plan to leave the European Union.

More than 80 senior Labour Party figures signed a statement published on Sunday in The Observer calling for Britain to remain in the EU’s single market and the customs union after Brexit. The letter states that Britain’s economy would be so damaged by leaving the single market and customs union that Labour would be unable to carry out its reforms if it comes to power.

The letter states that Labour’s position in Parliament means it is in a position to prevent Britain from going too far in severing its economic ties to the other 27 EU members.

It says: “For the sake of building a better Britain and safeguarding those our party was founded to protect, we must grab this chance before it is too late. We will never be forgiven if we fail to do so.” Corbyn has until now steadfastly resisted calls to seek ways to keep Britain in the EU’s single market and customs union after Brexit, but he is expected to soften his stance on the customs union in a speech on Monday.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2018