The Conservatives have accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of planning a 'hit job on taxpayers' after a report suggested the UK could pay up to £1 billion a year for improved access to the European Union's single market.
Shadow Chancellor Welcomes Ukraine Loan, But Questions Remain
On Sky News, shadow chancellor Mel Stride said that in principle, his party welcomes the announcement that Starmer will join the EU's €90 billion loan for Ukraine. However, Stride added that he would want to see the details before giving full support.
Patel Slams 'Undemocratic Hit Job'
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel was far less pleased about the Times report, which claims the UK could be forced to pay the EU around £1 billion annually as a condition for better single market access. According to Oliver Wright's report, European negotiators have made it clear that payment is necessary for further integration. A European diplomat stated: 'If the UK wants further integration they must pay to play. That is not unusual.'
The government has not denied the story but suggested it does not recognise the £1 billion figure. Patel commented: 'Starmer is unpicking Brexit and planning another undemocratic hit job on British taxpayers by signing us up to a £1 billion annual payment to the EU. Once again, this weak prime minister goes to the negotiating table, comes home empty-handed, having fleeced hard-pressed taxpayers with his terrible judgment.'
