In a recent statement, Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK’s Labour Party, expressed his intention to negotiate a “much better” Brexit deal with the European Union if his party wins the next general election. Speaking at a conference of centre-left leaders in Montreal, Canada, he criticized the current deal, which is scheduled for review in 2025, and described it as “too thin”. However, he clarified that Labour would not seek to rejoin the customs union, single market, or the EU.
Sir Keir’s remarks raise questions about the possibility of major changes to the existing agreement, which was concluded by former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021. While the Labour leader believes a better deal can be negotiated with Brussels, it remains uncertain whether the EU would be open to such alterations.
The Labour Party, which has consistently held a double-digit lead in political opinion polls, anticipates a general election in 2024. Taking this opportunity into account, Sir Keir aims to secure an improved Brexit arrangement for the UK by 2025. Although he did not specify which aspects of the current deal he would target for improvement, he expressed confidence in achieving a “closer trading relationship” with the EU.
Keir Starmer’s determination to make Brexit work stems from his concern for future generations. As a father himself, with a 15-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter, he refuses to accept a future that is worse off. He wants to create a future in which he can provide better prospects for his children.
During his trip to Canada, Sir Keir also met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and is planning to visit French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Talks with Macron are expected to heavily feature post-Brexit relations between the UK and EU.
In addition to political discussions, Sir Keir visited the Hague in the Netherlands last week to engage with Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency. The aim of the visit was to seek a deal to combat the activity of smuggling gangs transporting people across the English Channel in small boats.
However, these actions have not been without controversy. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, accused the Labour Party of intending to allow the UK to become a “dumping ground” for up to 100,000 migrants from the continent annually. Sir Keir dismissed these claims as “complete garbage”, emphasizing that his party is committed to addressing the issue of illegal immigration effectively.
The Labour leader’s determination to negotiate a new Brexit deal reflects his party’s aim to ensure a stronger future for the UK outside the EU. By striving for an improved agreement, Sir Keir hopes to address the flaws of the current deal and forge a closer trading relationship with the EU, ultimately benefiting the British people and future generations.
