Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, has firmly stated that there is no argument for rejoining the European Union following accusations from the government that he seeks to undo Brexit
The Conservatives have capitalised on remarks made by the Labour leader, who expressed that his party had no intention of diverting from the European Union’s regulations.
Sir Keir emphasised that the United Kingdom would not function as “a rule-taker” if the Labour Party came to power, the BBC reported.
However, he clarified that this stance did not imply a willingness to lower standards related to food quality and workers’ rights.
Starmer’s firm stance against rejoining the EU
On Saturday, Sir Keir told a conference of center-left leaders in Canada: “Most of the conflict with the UK being outside of the (EU) arises insofar as the UK wants to diverge and do different things to the rest of our EU partners,
“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 at work, food standards, and all the rest of it.”
Keir Starmer clarifies his Brexit stance
These comments were initially broadcasted through livestream but were first brought to public attention by Sky News on Thursday. This led to Conservative ministers stating that Sir Keir was altering his position on Brexit.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove said they revealed “the real Keir Starmer” and that he wanted to “re-run the Brexit agonies of the past”.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party dismissed this motion, confirming that the UK had no intention of rejoining the EU. They proposed that Sir Keir’s remarks specifically focused on food, environmental, and labour standards.
When questioned about the Conservative Party’s criticism of his statements while visiting the London Stock Exchange, Sir Keir responded to media outlets: “I have repeatedly said that there’s no case for going back into the EU and that includes the single market and the customs union.”
Nations participating in the EU single market stick to numerous shared rules and standards, whereas those within the customs union abide by identical customs regulations.
Sir Keir said: “We will not be a rule-taker. The rules and laws of this country will be made in Parliament according to the national interest.
“But that does not mean that a Labour government wants to lower standards on food, wants to lower standards on people’s rights at work.”
Looking towards the UK’s future outside the EU
Sir Keir Starmer has recently raised inquiries regarding the potential connection between a future Labour administration and the EU. He indicated his party would strive for a considerably improved Brexit trade agreement with the European Union.
He expressed his belief that the existing deal, initially arranged by Boris Johnson and scheduled for reassessment in 2025, needed more depth and enhancement. However, he didn’t outline the specific improvements.
The Labour Party has proposed negotiating a fresh arrangement concerning the movement of animal products and has also stated its desire for a new agreement with the EU aimed at curbing migrant crossings across the English Channel.
