1/9 One of the arguments #RemainLabour will put forward (with others) this year is that Labour must adopt a Pro-Remain (#StopBrexit) position and reject any form of 'Soft Brexit'. This thread summarises our case. Please share if you agree.
2/9 Remainers pushing for Soft Brexit are arguing for damage limitation. It's understandable (and preferable to the catastrophe of Hard Brexit), but it would not be a good outcome for the country and we should have the courage to set out why.
3/9 Multiple variations of Soft Brexit have been proposed, but most make the case for leaving the EU, while retaining access to the single market and customs union. The first problem is that the EU will not allow full access to single market for a non-member state.
4/9 So Soft Brexit actually looks more like the EFTA or the Norway model, with some access to the single market - but crucially, no ability to influence decisions. It's like leaving a gym, but still paying a membership fee for restricted use of the facilities.
5/9 Restricted access to the single market will cause grave damage to our service based economy (especially financial services) and it's why a "jobs-first Brexit" is an oxymoron. Moreover, Soft Brexit falls very short on the question of 'taking back control'
6/9 Like it or not, Remainers must accept that 'taking back control' was powerful and effective call to arms for the Leave campaign. Soft Brexit means staying in EU institutions, but having no influence over them. Soft Brexit cedes control.
7/9 Soft Brexit will also win Labour no votes down the line. If Brexit happens and the UK economy sinks for five years (we're sure the effects will be more long-term), no unhappy voter will turn around and say "at least Labour accepted the referendum result, we can't blame them".
8/9 So advocating Soft Brexit is a self-defeating strategy for the Labour Party, economically and politically.
9/9 The conclusion? Reject damage limitation and reject Soft Brexit. We must make the case (much more effectively than in 2016) that only a Pro-Remain (#StopBrexit) position is in the interest of the country and the Labour Party. If you agree, please sign-up to @Remain_Labour
