Labour Party’s Commitment to EU Alignment
In a recent conference fringe meeting, Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has emphasised his desire to maintain alignment with the European Union (EU) rather than diverge. Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow in London, expressed her optimism for closer ties with the EU’s single market, citing recent agreements reached between the EU and other third-party countries.
During the meeting, Creasy highlighted Labour’s aim to secure direct access to the single market and explore potential negotiations. However, she acknowledged that discussions on Freedom of Movement would likely arise if the UK were to seek full reentry into the single market.
To support her argument, Creasy referenced Moldova as an example of the EU’s recent cooperative agreements with nations. Moldova, an associate member of the EU since 2016, successfully negotiated a comprehensive trade liberalisation deal for agricultural products earlier this year.
Creasy stated, “I think there are grounds to be very hopeful. Europe is not static. It has evolved since we left, and significant developments are taking place. Just look at what has been accomplished with Moldova. It’s not a matter of being ‘all in or all out.'”
To prevent potential embarrassment and internal discord within the party, Labour deliberately avoided bringing Brexit to the forefront of their conference agenda. A motion proposed by the Labour Movement for Europe that aimed to initiate a comprehensive debate on Brexit was excluded from the official schedule. This decision received support from influential figures like former Labour Party leader, Neil Kinnock.
Keir Starmer, consistent with his previous stance, reaffirmed his commitment to Brexit by stating that his priority is to align the UK with EU standards and the interests of their EU partners. Starmer emphasised the importance of shared values and a harmonious future, emphasising that divergence should be minimized to avoid conflict and ensure alternative solutions to pressing issues are available.
“Our goal is not to diverge but rather, to uphold high standards across various sectors, such as environmental regulations, worker protections, and food safety. We seek a future where we can collaborate and share in the benefits of our association with the EU,” Starmer asserted.
Labour’s determination to maintain EU alignment has been evident throughout the conference, reflecting their ongoing position on Brexit and the party’s vision for the UK’s future relationship with the EU. Story Source
Keir Starmer….eyeing his seat on the EU gravy train!