SIR Keir Starmer denied he was betraying Brexit as he welcomed German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier to No10.
The PM yesterday ruled out rejoining the customs union despite calling for closer ties with Brussels.
A key economic aide Minouche Shafik proposed rejoining the trade bloc in a bid to deliver economic growth but the idea was rejected.
He is keen on closer links with the EU but told MPs: “We are getting a closer relationship with the EU on a number of fronts, including on trade and the economy.
“We have clear red lines in relation to the single market and the customs union.”
Meanwhile, the PM added that the UK-Germany relationship was in a “very, very strong position”.
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He said he “profoundly” believes the connection between the two countries was beginning a new chapter.
Earlier this week the PM hit out at how Brexit was sold and delivered saying it was simply wrong adding “wild promises” were made but not fulfilled in a major speech in the City.
He went on to say Ministers must carry on “reducing frictions” with the bloc saying Brits must accept that Brexit “significantly hurt” our economy.
Sir Keir added: “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.”
