UK membership of the European Economic Area is the only policy that respects the referendum and delivers a “jobs-first Brexit” (Boris Johnson attacks Theresa May’s ‘crazy’ customs plan, 8 May). It removes the threat of an Irish border by allowing EU-wide frictionless free trade. It does not require membership of the common agriculture and fishing policies, monetary union (euro), or adherence to the European court of justice.
Significantly for the Labour party, it does not block state aid whose purpose is “to promote the economic development of areas where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is serious underemployment”. EEA membership respects the wishes of the majority of Labour members and voters who voted remain, and in no way blocks Jeremy Corbyn’s desire to use state aid and nationalisation to promote economic and social policies within the UK.
On the one issue that dares not speak its name, the EEA allows limits to freedom of movement. Tory Brexiters may also be won over because EEA membership opts out of any “common trade policy”, allowing Liam Fox to continue his worldwide junket to secure new trade deals outside of the EU. The House of Lords vote to allow EEA membership must be passed, as it is the one policy that can bridge the leave/remain fissure that is so badly damaging this country.
Prof Eric Goodyer From the Guardian
Apologies for using cut’n’paste.
It seems a good compromise, although I’m sure there are plenty who would say it isn’t really Brexit.
From when we’ve discussed EEA before I think I remember that we are still in the EEA unless we specifically decide to leave? Article 50 won’t take us out of it. Is that still the case?