Keir Starmer vows not to diverge from EU as Labour leader hopes to ‘share future’ with Brussels
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed not to diverge from the European Union as the Labour leader hopes to forge closer relations with Brussels.
The Leader of the Opposition appeared to go beyond his often cautious comments about Brexit at an event on Saturday alongside the Norwegian leader Jonas Gahr Store.
Responding to a question from former Tony Blair aide John McTernan, Sir Keir said: “Most of the conflict with the UK being outside of the EU arises in so far as the UK wants to diverge and do different things to the rest of our EU partners.
“Obviously the more we share values, the more we share a future together, the less the conflict.
“And actually different ways of solving problems become available.
“Actually we don’t want to diverge, we don’t want to lower standards, we don’t want to rip up environmental standards, working standards for people that work, food standards and all the rest of it.
“So suddenly, you’re in a space where, notwithstanding the obvious fact that we’re outside the EU and not in the [European Economic Area], there’s a lot more common ground than you might think.”
The Leader of the Opposition was accused of attempting to block Brexit 48 times ahead of the UK’s eventual departure from the EU.
Sir Keir, who last week went on the continental charm offensive by meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, is poised to rip up parts of Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal if he enters Number 10 at the next general election.
“Almost everyone recognises the deal Johnson struck is not a good deal – it’s far too thin,” he told The Financial Times.
“As we go into 2025 we will attempt to get a much better deal for the UK.”
The Labour leader is confident he can strike an improved Brexit deal, saying: “I do think we can have a closer trading relationship as well. That’s subject to further discussion.”
He added: “We have to make it work. That’s not a question of going back in.
“But I refuse to accept that we can’t make it work. I think about those future generations when I say that.”
Tory Brexiteers have been left fuming about Sir Keir’s decision to hand back control to Brussels.
Buckingham MP Greg Smith told GB News: “It’s really clear from Sir Keir’s comments and the tone he took while delivering them that he wants the UK absolutely tied to the EU.
“He has never accepted the referendum result and this is evidence of how his love for the EU demolishes any chance he has of understanding the benefits we can have from our sovereignty, independence and freedom.”
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt added: He’s not to be trusted at all with Brexit or immigration.”
