There were cheers from Tory MPs as Jeremy Corbyn came to the close of his first-ever response to a prime ministerial statement (in reference to its length). But the Labour leader, looking smarter than usual after a mini makeover, used his time wisely.
On the EU, the subject of the statement, he challenged Cameron to rule out withdrawing from or “diluting” the social chapter and the working time directive. Though it is likely that the government will avoid pushing for any significant changes, the PM declined to do so, avoiding any reference to the issue. Unless or until he does, it will be harder for pro-Europeans to persuade those on the left flirting with Brexit to support the in campaign.
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