Saqib Bhatti MP warns that Sir Keir Starmer must not use closer EU ties as a distraction from his government’s challenges. The Conservative Shadow Education Secretary calls on Brexiteers to mobilize against Labour’s moves to pull the UK back toward the EU’s influence.
Bhatti’s Call to Action
Bhatti states that Labour risks undermining the economy, national security, and border controls. He argues that re-engagement with the EU serves as a “red herring” to divert attention from these issues.
“Labour is going to take us back into the EU by the back door. Brexiteers need to assemble,” Bhatti declares. “As Labour drives our economy into the ground, weakens our national security and fails to control our borders, it is becoming ever clearer that Sir Keir Starmer will use re-entry into the EU as a red herring to distract us from his government’s abject failures.”
Bhatti supports demands for a full implementation of Brexit benefits. He advocates slashing red tape to boost economic growth, protecting UK waters to revive the fishing industry, and exiting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to curb legal challenges from immigration lawyers.
Key Figures Back Proper Brexit
Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch, and Boris Johnson endorse efforts to secure a robust Brexit, especially as Sir Keir Starmer pursues warmer EU relations.
Recent EU Developments
Senior EU official Valdis Dombrovskis indicates the European Commission remains open to exploring closer trade links with the UK, potentially including a customs union. Following discussions with UK ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves in London, Dombrovskis stresses that the UK cannot selectively align with parts of the single market.
Reeves emphasizes the need for stronger ties amid a global shift toward less predictable rules. Sir Keir Starmer echoes this, stating Britain should “get closer” to the single market while affirming support for enhanced EU relations—despite Labour’s manifesto commitment against rejoining the single market or customs union.
Upcoming Brussels Talks
Business Secretary Peter Kyle plans a trip to Brussels to urge the EU against excluding British firms from the proposed “Made in Europe” initiative. This scheme aims to prioritize EU companies in procurement, which could bar UK businesses from vital European supply chains.
A Labour source counters concerns: “Labour doesn’t want to re-enter the EU—we believe in Brexit and want to make Brexit work. The Tories were so ideologically opposed to any form of relationship with Europe and that was to the detriment of the UK’s interests. We’re delivering a new deal that is good for our borders, good for people’s bills and good for jobs.”
