Saqib Bhatti, Conservative Shadow Education Secretary, warns that Sir Keir Starmer must not use closer EU ties as a distraction from his government’s challenges. Bhatti calls on Brexiteers to unite against efforts to draw the UK back into the EU’s influence.
Call for Brexiteers to Assemble
Bhatti states that as the economy struggles, national security weakens, and border control falters, Starmer may employ EU re-entry discussions to divert attention from these issues. “Labour is going to take us back into the EU by the back door,” Bhatti declares. “Brexiteers need to assemble.”
Bhatti advocates for a proper Brexit, emphasizing the need to slash red tape to boost economic growth, protect UK waters to revive the fishing industry, and exit the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to curb legal challenges from immigration lawyers.
Support from Key Figures
His position aligns with calls from Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch, and Boris Johnson for the government to fully deliver on Brexit promises, especially as Starmer pursues warmer EU relations.
EU Signals Openness to Closer Ties
Senior EU official Valdis Dombrovskis indicates the European Commission remains open-minded about discussing enhanced trade links with the UK, potentially including a customs union. Following meetings with UK ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves in London, Dombrovskis suggests the UK cannot selectively align with parts of the single market.
Reeves highlights the growing importance of stronger ties amid a shifting global landscape with unclear rules. Starmer echoes this, pushing for closer single market alignment despite Labour’s manifesto commitment against rejoining the single market or customs union.
Upcoming Brussels Talks
Business Secretary Peter Kyle plans a trip to Brussels to urge the EU against its proposed ‘Made in Europe’ initiative. This scheme aims to tighten procurement rules favoring EU firms, which could exclude British companies from vital European supply chains.
Labour Denies Re-Entry Intentions
A Labour source counters: “Labour doesn’t want to re-enter the EU – we believe in Brexit and want to make Brexit work. The Tories were so ideologically opposed to any form of relationship with Europe and that was to the detriment of the UK’s interests. We’re delivering a new deal that is good for our borders, good for people’s bills and good for jobs.”
