Seems to be a certain lack of understanding of parliamentary democracy and the European single market here.
The European single market was not invented by Margaret Thatcher but it was her drive and determination which brought it formerly into being in 1993. A key part of the the single market is free movement of people we can not be part of the single market unless we accept free movement of people end.
To be a member of the shadow cabinet you have to accept collective decisions made by that body if you do not agree with those decisions you have two options shut up or resign from the shadow cabinet. The so called rebels did neither and voted against a decision of the shadow cabinet JC therefore had no choice but to sack them. This the only choice he had end.
Seems to be a certain lack of understanding of parliamentary democracy and the European single market here.