Labour leader faces backlash after claiming he will renegotiate Brexit terms
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has come under fire for proclaiming that he would seek to improve the UK's Brexit deal if he becomes the prime minister. Critics have dubbed him "delusional" and questioned the feasibility of such a move.
Experts dismiss notion of major trade deal overhaul
Brussels watchers and Brexit supporters have criticized Starmer's plan, arguing that a significant alteration to the trade terms without re-joining the Single Market and Customs Union would be impossible. While Labour has denied this is their policy, Starmer expressed his desire for a better deal in an interview with the pro-EU Financial Times, citing his concern for his children's future.
Starmer willing to engage in extended negotiations with EU
Starmer signaled his willingness to engage in several more years of negotiations with the EU, stating that the deal Prime Minister Boris Johnson secured with the bloc is inadequate. He suggested that a closer trading relationship is possible, pending further discussions.
Expert dismisses Starmer's ambitions as a "delusion"
Wolfgang Münchau, an EU expert, dismissed Starmer's plan as a "delusion," stating that it was not possible to secure a better deal than the current UK-EU agreement while staying out of the Single Market and Customs Union. Münchau warned that Starmer's assertions would likely be exposed as false in due course.
Tories criticize Starmer's changing stance
The Conservative Party accused Starmer of flip-flopping on his position, highlighting his previous promise not to seek major changes to the UK's new relationship with the EU. They questioned the potential cost of renegotiating the country's relationship with the EU.
Nigel Farage warns of "Brexit In Name Only"
Nigel Farage warned that if Labour takes power, Brexit may effectively become "Brexit In Name Only" due to the Tories' failure to diverge enough from EU regulations. Farage argued that the lack of significant separation would make it easier for Labour to align the UK with the EU on closer terms.
