Jeremy Corbyn

• I SPENT the Tory conference catching up with my collection of B-52’s records. I was, literally, in my own “Private Idaho” otherwise I might have had a fatal fit at the sight of the prime minister’s “Gurning Queen” turn. Desperate times. And Brexit not yet upon us.

It seems that Chequers is dead and the Ultras’ WTO bubble has deflated. Apparently it’s now going to be Canada+++, which might sound good but isn’t. But it’s not really the point. If the Irish border question isn’t solved in the next few weeks then we go over the cliff.

As we get closer to the crunch point on October 18, there are rumours that some kind of agreement is reachable. If there’s progress on the Irish border, Theresa May might have a deal to sell. But she’s hocked up to the eyeballs to the “blood-red lines” of the DUP and, with the Ultras promising to play rough, she doesn’t have the numbers.

Will Labour make up the numbers? On the down side, there is a real risk of falling into Chaotic Reality. If so, May will pin the blame on Labour for not supporting her. Yet why should Labour save May’s bacon from a situation entirely of her own making? If Labour is going to vote against May’s Brexit, it has to know why and so do we.

There are no economic upsides to Brexit, other than saving Tory toffs from EU tax-avoidance rules. We are going to be poorer, unemployment will rise and I don’t see how Labour can vote for that. The WTO doesn’t guarantee us any trade advantages, stymies Labour’s re-nationalisation plans and puts the NHS at risk. The Tories might agree all that; Labour cannot.

It’s time for Labour to embrace those calling for Remain and a People’s Vote. There’s a march in London on October 20. Jeremy Corbyn should be there, reaching across party lines and looking ready to lead the country.

RICHARD ROSSER
Richmond Grove, N1