Starmer asserts Labour’s Brexit stance remains firm
SIR Keir Starmer yesterday insisted Labour’s Brexit “red lines” remain intact after yet another Cabinet minister talked up the benefits of getting closer to Brussels, reports BritPanorama.
Downing Street claimed Britain won’t be dragged back into the customs union after Health Secretary Wes Streeting appeared to endorse the move. Deputy PM David Lammy had also previously failed to rule out the idea, which is known to have the backing of senior aides at No 10.
A No 10 spokesman stated: “We have been very open about the need to reset our relationship with the EU and strengthen that relationship while sticking to our red lines, and that position has been consistent.” The PM’s red lines include free movement, rejoining the customs union, and the single market.
When asked if his Cabinet is disunited on Brexit, Starmer’s spokesman replied: “I think what the Cabinet has been very clear on is that there is a need to reset our relationship with the EU, that is what the Prime Minister and the Cabinet have been working on over the last 12 months.”
Pressed on whether the Prime Minister was content with ministers speaking outside their briefs, he added that Sir Keir feels “very happy with his Cabinet.” Earlier in the month, the Prime Minister outlined how the UK must “confront the reality” about boosting growth after one of his top aides suggested rejoining the EU customs union.
During a major speech delivered in the City, he criticized how Brexit was sold and delivered, asserting that “wild promises” were made but not fulfilled. However, Sir Keir cautioned that ministers must continue “reducing frictions” with the bloc, acknowledging that Brexit “significantly hurt” the UK economy.
The PM emphasized: “We have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU, and we have to be grown up about that, to accept that this will require trade-offs. We will continue to reject drift, to confront reality and take control of our future.”
This ongoing discourse highlights the complexities faced by the Labour leadership as it navigates the delicate terrain of Brexit negotiations while attempting to maintain internal cohesion and public support.
