Jeremy Corbyn Speech Is The Indefinite Article

We all know the uncertainty, fears and doubts that surround all things Brexit. So the recent Brexit reconciliation speech from Boris Johnson, a Vienna speech by David Davis and Theresa May's Security Conference Speech were organised to set out both vision and objectives. Well, that was the plan at least.

And we have heard some fine words. But we've also heard some weaselly words. The verbal equivalent of sleight of hand. And that's fair enough. Because we expect it.

But now, with the Jeremy Corbyn speech in Coventry today we are in a wholly new area. Grammar. No, not grammar schools. Because grammar schools might well be contentious. But they aren't nearly like as contentious as this point of grammar. 

Because in this Jeremy Corbyn speech we have the grammatical indefinite article, loud and proud. No, it's not Article 50, it's the indefinite article. Politicians and commentators have skirted the matter for weeks now. But now we've got it. So, it's absolutely clear.

But the country is still in the dark about what this divided government wants from Brexit.

Speaking from autocue Jeremy Corbyn appeared calm and confident with this speech. Yes, we heard a few stumbles. But they were not a problem.

This Jeremy Corbyn speech had a central purpose and plenty of structure signposting throughout.

We heard plenty about the race to the bottom and for the many not the few, but there was also clear material here.

It makes no sense for the UK to abandon EU agencies and tariff-free trading rules that have served us well, supporting our industrial sectors, protecting workers and consumers and safeguarding the environment.

If that means negotiating to support individual EU agencies, rather than paying more to duplicate those agencies here then that should be an option, not something ruled out because of phoney jingoistic posturing.

So we will want to remain a part of agencies like Euratom, regulating nuclear materials in energy and health sectors and programmes like Erasmus that give students opportunities to study across Europe, because they serve our interests.

and,

We have long argued that a customs union is a viable option for the final deal. So Labour would seek to negotiate a new comprehensive UK-EU customs union to ensure that there are no tariffs with Europe and to help avoid any need for a hard border in Northern Ireland.

So, there you have it. A customs union. Not the customs union. All clear? No? Thought not.

But, aside from the fun with grammar this proved a good, well-constructed Jeremy Corbyn speech.

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