Fresh blow for Jeremy Corbyn as Brussels blast his Brexit plan as delusional

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JEREMY Corbyn suffered a major blow yesterday as Brussels blasted his delusional plan to renegotiate Boris Johnsons deal and secure a say over EU trade talks.

EU officials and diplomats told The Sun that Labours bid to rip up the rules of the Customs Union so the UK can negotiate FTAs in conjunction with the bloc would meet fierce opposition.

Jeremy Corbyn suffered a major blow yesterday as Brussels blasted his delusional plan to renegotiate Boris Johnsons deal and secure a say over EU trade talks

JEZ WON’T WORK

They said rewriting the PMs deal to adopt a UK mandate with higher ambition, such as alignment on workers rights and the environment, would be easy to achieve within three months.

But one EU source warned: Less straightforward is what the UK may ask on EU trade policy. The first thing would be a UK request for an extension, with a justification for that.

Another added that Mr Corbyns strategy was not credible and as delusional as Boris Johnsons pledge to negotiate a trade deal before the end of December 2020.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said the Customs Union would have to be reconfigured because currently it only allows Member States to set the EUs negotiating mandates for FTAs.

He said this one and 27 setup would allow Britain to benefit from Brussels clout and that the two sides would do deals with the rest of the world together.

EU diplomats warned there was not much the bloc could do to involve Britain in shaping its trade policy other than drawing up a consultation role.

One said: You cant have a customs union and still expect some leeway to enter into deals with third countries. Its impossible.

But another added: The UK, with such an important market, would be in a position to claim a substantial role on those deals that directly affect it.

Mr Corbyn defended the policy yesterday, insisting that his party can negotiate a brand new agreement with the bloc in less than three months.

He said: Keir and I have spent many, many hours in Brussels and other European capitals. We wouldnt be saying this if we didnt think it was realistic and do-able.

Sir Keir also dismayed Brussels by immediately announcing Labour would campaign against any deal it secures in a second referendum.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said the Customs Union would have to be reconfigured