Shadow minister Anna McMorrin has sparked controversy by suggesting Labour would need to renegotiate the UK's Brexit deal and could potentially rejoin the single market and customs union. Speaking to party activists, she stated: 'I hope eventually that we will get back into the single market and customs union, and who knows then.' Labour officials quickly distanced themselves, reiterating that party policy opposes re-entering those institutions.
The comments follow Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's vow to undo Brexit laws if he becomes prime minister. He specifically criticised Boris Johnson's legislation aimed at protecting Northern Ireland's place in the UK, saying: 'We would scrap the legislation. We think it is the wrong approach.' Starmer's stance has raised concerns that a Labour government could leave Northern Ireland subject to EU bureaucracy.
Further unease stems from reported cooperation between Labour and the Liberal Democrats. In forthcoming by-elections on June 23, Labour has reportedly campaigned minimally in Tiverton and Honiton, where the Lib Dems have a strong chance of defeating the Conservatives. Similarly, the Lib Dems are said to have returned the favour in Wakefield. During last month's local elections, both parties stood down hundreds of candidates in seats where the other was better placed to win.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has committed his party to rejoining the single market and hinted at pushing Labour to adopt the policy if no party wins a majority in the next general election. 'You can exercise influence in many, many ways,' he said. Despite the evidence, both Labour and the Lib Dems deny any formal pact.
Critics also point to Starmer's record as shadow Brexit secretary, when he devised a policy for a second referendum that included an option to remain in the EU. Although Starmer now claims to accept the 2016 referendum result and wants to 'make Brexit work', the accumulation of remarks and actions suggests otherwise to many observers.
