PM embraces Brexit divisions as he seeks closer ties with Europe
PM embraces Brexit divisions as he seeks closer ties with Europe
Sir Keir Starmer has consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with the European Union. This position was a cornerstone of his 2024 general election campaign, though it was framed in broad, non-specific language. The first annual UK-EU summit, held 11 months prior, outlined the UK’s negotiations with the EU on food and drink standards, carbon emissions, and electricity. The complexity arises from the government’s push for “dynamic” alignment, which entails not just adhering to current EU rules in these areas but also following their evolution over time.
When the government introduces legislation later this year, there will be a parliamentary vote on these proposals. However, the process of updating UK rules to mirror European regulations may bypass additional votes, relying instead on secondary legislation. This method has previously been used by Conservative administrations to enact divergence from EU standards. The government’s choice to frame this as the parliamentary process has drawn criticism from both the Conservatives and Reform UK, though the core disagreement centers on deeper issues of sovereignty, economic strategy, and the UK’s global role.
Political Calculations and Shifting Priorities
The prime minister’s recent embrace of this debate reflects a notable shift in tone. Andrew Griffith, the Conservatives’ shadow business secretary, accused the government of reducing Parliament to a “spectator” while allowing Brussels to dictate terms, calling it “exactly what the country rejected” in 2016. Reform UK’s Nigel Farage echoed this, stating,
“Accepting their rules without a vote is a direct betrayal of the Brexit referendum.”
Both argue that accepting EU rules without parliamentary shaping undermines the Brexit mandate.
Starmer’s rationale for this approach now ties Brexit to global instability, a strategic move partly critiquing the capricious nature of the current presidency. In a BBC Radio 5 Live interview, he remarked,
“We’re in a world where there’s massive conflict, great uncertainty, and I strongly believe the UK’s best interests are in a stronger, closer relationship with Europe.”
This sentiment was further reinforced in a press conference addressing the economic fallout of the Iran war, where he concluded,
“our long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe.”
He also noted that Brexit “did deep damage to our economy” and that the UK now seeks “more ambitious” economic cooperation with Europe.
Starmer, who rose within the Labour Party as Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow Brexit secretary, had largely avoided these arguments as leader until recently. This change is partly due to shifting political calculations: the risk of alienating Labour voters who supported Leave a decade ago or Remain without revisiting Brexit has diminished. Polling showing declining support for Brexit and the threat from progressive factions within Labour have influenced this pivot. However, there remains a possibility that Starmer may draw scrutiny from his own party for not fully satisfying those who advocate for deeper integration. His commitment to the post-Brexit framework established by Theresa May—excluding single market and customs union memberships—suggests he will face pressure to reconsider this stance as the 2028 elections approach.