Sir Keir Starmer is planning a speech in praise of closer links with the European Union, pencilled in for Monday. The timing raises questions: if warming relations with the EU are so popular, why hasn't Labour highlighted this before the local elections? The answer appears to be that the speech is a transparent attempt to protect Starmer from his own party after expected poor election results.
Leadership Defence Strategy
The speech is seen as a move to fend off a potential leadership challenge by appealing to pro-EU Labour MPs and activists. Starmer, who won the Labour leadership by advocating a second referendum, has disappointed many by sticking to manifesto red lines—no single market, no customs union, no free movement. However, these members believed caution was necessary for electoral victory. They hope for a stronger pro-EU stance at the next election to unite progressive parties against Nigel Farage.
Yet Starmer's commitment is questionable. If he truly believed a closer EU embrace would stem defections to Greens, Lib Dems, and nationalists, he would have given this speech earlier. Instead, he avoided offending Leave voters, speaking only in general terms about closer relations and aligning with EU standards.
Limited Policy Details
The speech likely offers little new, based on briefings. But making Europe the centrepiece of his response to election losses reveals his survival instinct. Europe may not be the magic potion; it contrasts with Angela Rayner's Brexit-friendly stance, but Wes Streeting might be a more articulate pro-EU advocate, having called for a customs union.
While 80% of Labour voters support a customs union, they don't grasp its implications. Only 9% agree that tariffs should be set by someone other than the British government. This highlights the shallow support for rejoining: most Britons say leaving was a mistake, but support evaporates when practical costs are considered—contributing to EU funds or adopting the euro.
If anti-Brexit lines help save Starmer's skin, he will use them, hoping activists don't notice he sells different messages to them and the wider electorate.
