Apologies to everyone for not returning to the thread as I stated I would yesterday, but a group of us worked till 6:30 PM and then went off down the pub to watch the very entertaining World Cup match between Portugal and Iran. In that there were more theatricals than you would see on the stage of the National Theatre, great stuff.
That stated, I would like to take up on the Jalima1108 post of yesterday evening. I agree with the statement in the post that Jeremy Corbyn has always held views contrary to the European Union, and by his present actions demonstrates that he still does. However, the trade unions in Britain such as Unite have large well-organised memberships in Manufacturing companies such as Airbus, GKN etc and therefore have come round to the view that it is essential that Britain remains at the very least in the customs union on leaving Europe.
In the above, for several months now the shopfloor representatives among membership have been demanding a much clearer stance not only from their union leadership but also the Labour Party (which their affiliation fees paid for) as regards to Brexit. The Unite union and also I believe the GMB have started a widespread consultation with their members by way of their regional structures and branches in regards to Brexit and the effects that members feel it will have on their jobs. As a long-standing member of Unite (mainly in thanks for help they gave me in years past) I have received communications from both branch and region on the above.
I believe that consultation will demonstrate widespread support among the membership for remaining in the customs union or possibly even remaining in the European Union as a full member. Undoubtedly, should the trade unions decide that they need a much stronger stance on Europe from the Labour Party, then the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn could very quickly come under question. I believe also that momentum are now questioning the Jeremy Corbyn lack of leadership on the Brexit question which could also add further pressure on Corbyn at a future National Executive meeting.
The question would then be who would be elected as leader to replace Jeremy Corbyn as I do not believe he will change his position on Europe.
Where I disagree with Jalima1108 would be that it will certainly be none of the "old guard" from the days of Blair and Brown.
So, with pressure building on the leaders of both major parties in regards to their future, names in a hat please
Anyway, I am in the office again today and wish to get get finished in time to see the Argentinian match in the World Cup if possible.
