Thread by @FromSteveHowell

1/ Observer wants Corbyn to explain how replacing 'the' with 'a' customs union "will make Britons...more in charge of their destiny."
To save him trouble:
THE customs union: rules made by EU, we're 'rule takers'.
A (new) customs union: rules agreed jointly by UK & EU.
#PLPwatch

2/ The @Guardian Observer is supporting Labour rebels who want UK to be in THE customs union. This could not be more at odds with the idea of "taking back control". People are not stupid. They will see through it and will know it is a Trojan horse to sabotage Brexit. #PLPWatch

3/ The Labour manifesto said unequivocally "we accept the result of the referendum". It was adopted unanimously on 11.5.2017 at Labour's Clause V meeting representing all sections of the party. It's the basis on which we won nearly 13m votes. That has to mean something #PLPWatch

4/ Some rebels are arguing for second referendum but many of them know that it would be lost, with disastrous consequences for politics in this country (Labour wiped out, angry Brexit voters turning to Right). Hence Trojan tactic of 'membership' of 'the' customs union. #PLPWatch

5/ Rebels know that being in THE customs union isn't sustainable politically or economically. Not only is it contrary to taking back control (law takers, not law makers), it would be crazy for world's 6th largest economy to allow rivals to dictate its terms of trade. #PLPWatch

6/ The Labour front bench position of a new customs agreement between the UK and EU shows good faith with the referendum result and what we said to the electorate in 2017. It offers a way to secure trade and jobs on terms mutually agreed between EU and UK. #PLPWatch

7/ Rebels say Labour front bench plan for a new mutually agreed customs union would never be accepted by EU. But Britain's economy is seven times the size of Norway's and the UK market was worth £347 billion to EU in 2017. They had a £71 billion trade surplus with us. #PLPWatch

8/ The EU has billions of pounds worth of reasons not to want to disrupt trade with UK, which is why Barnier has already said a bespoke deal is possible, though (as any shrewd negotiator would) he's raised several issues, including how commercial disputes are resolved. #PLPwatch

9/ The situation is fraught with danger for working people. With the chaotic Tories in power, there are numerous bad scenarios that could be cataclysmic for jobs. Labour's front bench is doggedly pursuing the honest option. The sooner they are the government the better. #PLPWatch