UK’s Starmer Signals Closer Alignment With EU Single Market Where It Serves National Interest
Prime Minister stresses pragmatic, sector-by-sector engagement with Brussels to strengthen post-Brexit ties and bolster Britain’s economy
Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said the United Kingdom should pursue closer alignment with the European Union’s single market where it is in the national interest, marking a notable moment in post-Brexit relations.
Speaking on the BBC, Starmer set out a pragmatic approach, saying that while the UK would not rejoin the single market or customs union, deeper regulatory cooperation on a sector-by-sector basis could benefit British businesses and consumers as global economic conditions evolve.
This stance reflects progress in ties that Starmer says are now stronger than at any point in the past decade.
Starmer pointed to recent agreements with Brussels as examples of practical cooperation, including plans for the UK to re-join the Erasmus student exchange programme from 2027 and talks to integrate electricity markets as well as negotiate a food and drink trade deal.
He emphasised that such bilateral arrangements could enhance economic opportunities and reinforce stability for businesses trading with the EU.
The prime minister’s comments come against a backdrop of internal political scrutiny.
Opposition figures from the Conservative Party have criticised the shift, accusing Starmer of undermining the 2016 Brexit vote by edging closer to EU rules despite assurances that key Brexit principles like national control over borders and independent trade policy will be maintained.
Starmer, however, framed his policy as rooted in national interest and long-term economic strategy, dismissing speculation about his leadership and reaffirming his commitment to deliver on his government’s mandate.
Within the Labour Party, there are competing views on the depth and pace of future EU engagement, with some MPs advocating a return to a customs union to facilitate trade and others preferring Starmer’s incremental approach.
The prime minister suggested that any further alignment would be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis, stressing that the UK’s relationship with the EU must balance both sovereignty and economic opportunity as part of a constructive post-Brexit partnership.
Speaking on the BBC, Starmer set out a pragmatic approach, saying that while the UK would not rejoin the single market or customs union, deeper regulatory cooperation on a sector-by-sector basis could benefit British businesses and consumers as global economic conditions evolve.
This stance reflects progress in ties that Starmer says are now stronger than at any point in the past decade.
Starmer pointed to recent agreements with Brussels as examples of practical cooperation, including plans for the UK to re-join the Erasmus student exchange programme from 2027 and talks to integrate electricity markets as well as negotiate a food and drink trade deal.
He emphasised that such bilateral arrangements could enhance economic opportunities and reinforce stability for businesses trading with the EU.
The prime minister’s comments come against a backdrop of internal political scrutiny.
Opposition figures from the Conservative Party have criticised the shift, accusing Starmer of undermining the 2016 Brexit vote by edging closer to EU rules despite assurances that key Brexit principles like national control over borders and independent trade policy will be maintained.
Starmer, however, framed his policy as rooted in national interest and long-term economic strategy, dismissing speculation about his leadership and reaffirming his commitment to deliver on his government’s mandate.
Within the Labour Party, there are competing views on the depth and pace of future EU engagement, with some MPs advocating a return to a customs union to facilitate trade and others preferring Starmer’s incremental approach.
The prime minister suggested that any further alignment would be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis, stressing that the UK’s relationship with the EU must balance both sovereignty and economic opportunity as part of a constructive post-Brexit partnership.
