Labour MPs urge Sir Keir Starmer to reject EU rejoining calls
Labour MPs in so-called RED Wall constituencies today urged Sir Keir Starmer to dismiss calls for Britain to rejoin the EU, following comments from London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan advocating for a return to the single market and customs union, reports BritPanorama.
The debate ignited when Khan suggested that rejoining these arrangements is vital for the UK’s economic prospects. His comments have been met with significant backlash from Labour MPs situated in leave-preferred areas, who see the proposal as a stark deviation from party strategy.
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant did not dismiss the possibility of Labour contesting the next election on a pledge to reverse Brexit. “I think we should be immensely ambitious about our relationship with the European Union,” he stated, criticizing what he termed the false promises of frictionless trade made during the Brexit referendum.
Echoing this, Sadiq Khan insisted it is “inevitable” that the UK will realign itself with the EU in the future. However, his remarks triggered fierce criticism from local Labour representatives. Jo White, leader of the party’s influential Red Wall group, argued that the focus should remain on establishing beneficial trade deals rather than pursuing a return to the EUs structures.
White commented, “Now is not the time or the place to be talking about going back into the EU,” emphasizing the need for the party to move forward rather than look back. Her sentiments reflect the views of many in leave-voting constituencies who demand progress over retrospection.
Natalie Fleet, MP for Bolsover, concurred, condemning the potential rejoining discussions as divisive, particularly for areas like hers, where 70% of voters opted to leave. “In an increasingly divided world, the last thing we need is to divide the country all over again by restarting this debate,” she stated.
Downing Street reaffirmed its position today, with a spokesperson making clear that Sir Keir Starmer intends to adhere to his established “red lines” regarding Europe. There will be no return to the single market or customs union, although ministers will strive to enhance the UK’s relationship with Brussels moving forward.
This unfolding political drama illustrates the ongoing tensions within the Labour Party as it grapples with its post-Brexit identity and the differing priorities of its members.
As the Labour Party confronts its future direction, unity will be paramount. The internal debates on European relations reflect broader societal divisions that continue to shape political discourse in the UK.
