The great European mystery is why the political Left so reflexively supports the EU, the euro, and the ‘neo-liberal’ erosion of worker interests by the Brussels project.

One can see why the corporatist Right might find this regime congenial. It is marvelous for the owners of capital. It allows companies to hold down wages through cross-border labour arbitrage. It has led to a systemic rise in the profit share of GDP.

Old Labour used to call the EU a “bankers ramp” and that is exactly what it has become. It upholds the interest of creditors and multinationals, leaving governments unable to pursue socialist policies beyond superficial tinkering.

This would remain that case after Brexit for any British government if the UK is still caught in the EU’s regulatory and legal orbit.

Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell know this. Parts of the Parliamentary Labour Party - the globalist graduate wing - no doubt wishes to bind their hands with EU rope precisely in order to head off any radical demarche.