Labour stalwart Lord Peter Mandelson has delivered a blunt assessment to Sir Keir Starmer, cautioning the potential future Prime Minister against the perils of what he terms 'Brexit denialism'. The party grandee insists that clinging to a 'mythical past' of EU membership would be a critical error for an incoming Labour government.
Mandelson's intervention, made during a high-profile interview, serves as both advice and a warning. He argues that Starmer's success hinges on fully accepting the UK's post-Brexit position and forging a new, pragmatic relationship with Europe, rather than attempting to re-litigate the 2016 referendum.
A Strategic Pitfall for a New Government
The former Business Secretary highlighted that while many Labour members and voters were ardent Remainers, the national mood has shifted. He believes the public is weary of the Brexit debate and desires a government focused on the future. 'The trap for Labour,' Mandelson stated, 'is to spend its time in office trying to recreate a relationship with Europe that is gone forever.'
This means moving beyond the 'culture war' narratives that have dominated the discourse and focusing on tangible economic and trade benefits within the existing framework.
Starmer's Stance and the Road Ahead
Sir Keir Starmer, who initially championed a second referendum, has significantly shifted his position. He now publicly asserts that there will be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement under his leadership. Mandelson's comments are seen as a powerful endorsement of this more realistic approach, urging the party leadership to stay the course.
The advice comes amidst a broader conversation about the future of UK-EU relations, with figures like Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch championing the opportunities of Brexit.
Mandelson's message is clear: for a Starmer government to be transformative and enduring, it must look forward, not backward. Embracing the present reality, not denying it, is the key to unlocking Britain's potential and securing a legacy of stable, effective governance.
