SIR Keir Starmer stands accused of edging towards a Brexit betrayal as he insists Britain must “keep moving” towards closer ties with Brussels.
The Prime Minister outlined how the UK must “confront the reality” about boosting growth after one of his top aides suggested rejoining the EU customs union.
He also hit out last night at how Brexit was sold and delivered saying it was simply wrong adding “wild promsies” were made but not fulfilled in a major speech in the City.
But Sir Keir has risked provoking fury that Ministers must carry on “reducing frictions” with the bloc saying Brits must accept that Brexit “significantly hurt” our economy.
The PM, speaking earlier in central London yesterday, said: “We have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU, and we have to be grown up about that, to accept that this will require trade-offs.
He added: “We will continue to reject drift, to confront reality and take control of our future.”
But Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: “Having close relations with our neighbours and economic partners, including the EU, is important – but at what cost?
“Since taking office Labour have bowed down to the EU’s demands at every step of the way, giving away our fishing rights and aligning us to Brussels’ red tape whilst getting nothing in return.”
Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice said: “Handcuffing us even more closely to the EU is not the answer. If you want to know how much of a disaster this would be, just look at the economies of France and Germany.”
“The UK voted to escape the EU bureaucracy and their burdensome regulations. We should be diverging, not aligning. This is a betrayal of what we voted for and Reform will fight this every step of the way.”
The UK and EU struck a deal back in May which allowed for easier checks for food, animal and agricultural products.
But extended fishing rights for European boats in UK waters will be granted until 2038.
Talks between London and Brussels broke down last week after a spat over how much cash Britain must pay in to take part in a defence scheme.
The suggestion of rejoining the EU customs union came from the PM’s chief economic adviser Minouche Shafik but the idea was rejected.
Heading into the election, Sir Keir insisted the UK wouldn’t be rejoining the bloc, its single market or customs union within his lifetime.
He also said that his government has turned things around with Brussels by signing up to a new pact.
He said: “We delivered the biggest shift in British foreign policy since Brexit. A decisive move to face outward again. And build our power, both hard and soft, which had been so neglected and damaged.”
