PMQs verdict: Corbyn misses key Brexit attack line on Irish border

eremy Corbyn spoke for many when he began by asking the prime minister what “ambitious managed divergence” – the approach to Brexit thrashed out last week during the cabinet awayday at Chequers – means in practice.

May replied that the Conservatives would restore Britain’s control of its laws, borders and money, in contrast to Labour’s position of remaining in a customs union, which she described as a “betrayal of the British people”.

Corbyn said 94% of small and medium-sized businesses think the government is ignoring their concerns about Brexit. Who is best at representing the views of businesses: small business groups or Liam Fox? May retorted that the Federation of Small Businesses had said it was behind the government’s trade policy.

To Labour cheers, Corbyn asked May whether the government could clarify which sectors would align with EU regulations and which would diverge. Groaning and telling them to “calm down”, May said she had already set out the position and the Tories were committed to trade going across borders, and there being no hard border.

Corbyn responded that May’s “after-dinner speeches” are no substitute for negotiations. Health and social care in the UK is reliant on migrant workers. Is she not concerned that EU workers are leaving Britain in unprecedented numbers?

May said the most recent immigration figures showed more people from the EU are coming into the UK than leaving, and the government has set nursing and GP training places at the highest level.

Source: theguardian