Sadiq Khan wades into Labour Brexit row with single market demand

Sadiq Khan waded into Labour’s Brexit row today with a call for the UK to stay in the single market after the two-year transition period was over.

The Mayor questioned whether Brexit would in fact ever happen as “the goal-posts have moved” so much since last year’s vote to leave.

He said that if Britain’s departure it went ahead London would need a special deal on immigration so it could get “the lion’s share” of talent.

Mr Khan’s heavyweight intervention comes after Jeremy Corbyn supporters saw off an attempt to bind Labour to a policy of staying in the single market.

Several pro-European Union MPs criticised the decision not to give a vote on the specific question.

Lewisham East MP Heidi Alexander said she was “gobsmacked” by the decision while Chuka Unumma accused the party of “ducking” debate rather than leading it.

Mr Khan told BBC radio: “I am quite clear when it comes to us leaving the EU, if we do leave the European Union, there will have to be a new deal...

“I think the goal-posts have moved in relation to the terms of trade that the Prime Minister does with the European Union.

“Before the general election [she] was talking about no transitional period, not even having access to the single market, let alone being members of the single market. I think the goal posts have moved. I want us to continue to be members of the single market.”

Mr Khan called for special treatment for London in negotiations with the EU on free movement of people.

“I think London is different to the rest of the country. Why? Because we are the only region to vote to remain in the EU. Why? Because not only do we need immigration, but we want it.”

However, Mr Khan did say he accepted the referendum result, despite the capital voting to remain. “The British public voted to leave the EU,” he said.