The Corbyn effect could keep Britain in the EU

London

THE rise of Jeremy Corbyn could help Britain stay in the European Union. That may seem counter-intuitive: the new leader of the opposition Labour party is no fan of Brussels. But Mr Corbyn may have a helpful effect on shaping the future decisions of the ruling Conservative government.

There are two ways Mr Corbyn could bring Britain closer to Europe. One is if he resets Labour policy to some of his more racy left-wing ideas: nuclear disarmament, wholesale nationalisations and a push for an EU exit, based on its perceived interest in capitalists at the expense of workers. The opposition would probably split, with a big chunk joining the Tories in a beefed-up centrist campaign to stay in Europe that would have a good chance of success.