SIR Keir Starmer has launched a fresh attack on Brexit – as he considers coughing up massive sums of cash to join an EU defence pact.
The PM suggested he would reopen negotiations with Brussels to join their SAFE scheme that would let British firms bid for military supply contracts across the continent.
Talks previously broke down after the EU demanded billions in membership fees from UK taxpayers.
But speaking on his trip to China, Sir Keir said: “I do think on spend, capability and cooperation we need to do more together.
“I’ve made the argument, and that should require us to look at schemes like SAFE and others to see whether there is a way in which we can work more closely together.”
The former Remainer also sparked fears of more Brexit backsliding after slamming the “botched” deal signed by Boris Johnson.
He also took aim at Reform rival Nigel Farage over his part in delivering the 2016 Leave referendum result.
The PM said: “It is absolutely clear from the botched deal we got from the last government has caused damage to our economy which is why we have reset that relationship and do want to get closer of defence and scurry, on energy, on emissions and trade.”
Sir Keir has been cosying further up to the bloc since taking office and says he wants even closer alignment with EU rules.
While he has ruled out returning to the Customs Union and Single Market, many of his ministers are publicly lobbying to unpick Brexit by going back in.
Last week Sir Keir risked a major backlash after saying Britain should “go further” at each summit with the EU.
The PM said aligning with Brussels on the single market was “the place to look” in future talks with the bloc.
