Sir Keir Starmer is planning to make Brexit the central dividing line at the next general election, as the government seeks to win back voters lost to Reform UK, The Independent understands. Labour believes it is the only party with a Brexit position that reflects public opinion, following the prime minister's vow to “reset” relations with the EU after years of Tory strain.
Government sources said party attack units will paint Nigel Farage as an “ideological zealot” prioritising anti-EU beliefs over beneficial trade deals. “Farage doesn’t actually want to talk about Brexit any more because he knows his project has failed,” one source said, citing the negative economic impact of leaving the bloc.
Ministers hope to secure a veterinary (SPS) agreement with the EU by summer, providing a “buffer period” before the deal takes effect ahead of a 2029 election. A second source said that if operational before the election, they could argue a Farage-led government would unpick progress and increase trade barriers.
Polling guru Sir John Curtice warned that pushing closer ties carries risks, as some voters may worry about accepting EU laws. He said Labour “should be able to convince the majority of their supporters” if they argue for it more openly than before. YouGov polling from July 2025 shows 61 per cent think Brexit has been a failure, and 65 per cent want closer EU relations, though 44 per cent say rejoining is not a current priority.
