One sentence summary – Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss Brexit-related issues, including Britain’s relationship with the EU and challenges posed by small boat Channel crossings, with Starmer emphasizing his desire for a closer trading relationship with the EU and reluctance to diverge from the bloc’s rules on workers’ rights, food, and the environment, while also clarifying that there was no intention of reversing Brexit and that laws would be enacted in the UK’s best interest, leading to criticism from the Conservative Party and varying perspectives on Brexit divergence among Brexiteers.
At a glance
- Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, held a confidential meeting with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, in Paris.
- The talks focused on Brexit, including Britain’s relationship with the EU and challenges of small boat Channel crossings.
- Jeremy Hunt accused Labour of wanting to “unpick” Brexit, but Starmer firmly rejected this claim.
- Starmer emphasized a desire for a closer trading relationship with the EU and reluctance to diverge from EU rules on workers’ rights, food, and the environment.
- Labour clarified that they accepted the outcome of the 2016 referendum and would not seek to rejoin the single market or customs union.
The details
In a confidential meeting held in Paris, Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, engaged in discussions with Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.
The talks covered a range of issues related to Brexit.
These included Britain’s relationship with the European Union (EU) and the challenges posed by small boat Channel crossings.
Jeremy Hunt, a member of the Conservative Party, accused Labour of seeking to “unpick” Brexit if they were to win the next general election.
Sir Keir Starmer firmly rejected this assertion.
He emphasized his desire for a closer trading relationship with the EU.
He expressed reluctance to diverge from the bloc’s rules regarding workers’ rights, food, and the environment.
The Conservative Party criticized Sir Keir’s remarks.
They accused him of flip-flopping and regressing the country’s progress.
In response, Sir Keir clarified that there was no intention of reversing Brexit.
He stated that laws would be enacted in the UK’s best interest.
However, he emphasized that standards on food and workers’ rights would not be lowered.
Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, defended Labour’s stance.
She stated that they accepted the outcome of the 2016 referendum.
She also stated that Labour aimed to enhance trading relations with the EU.
Reports suggest that France and Germany are considering offering Britain “associate membership” of the EU.
Specifics regarding this proposal remain unclear.
The perspectives on Brexit divergence vary among Brexiteers.
Some view it as an opportunity to modify regulations.
Others argue that EU rules help uphold high standards and caution against divergence.
Businesses have raised concerns about potential additional costs resulting from regulatory divergence.
The Brexit deal negotiated by Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lead to a gradual divergence from EU rules.
The immediate abandonment of EU legislation has been discarded.
Labour clarified that it would not seek to rejoin the single market or customs union.
There would be no return to the EU in any form.
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No essential information is left out.
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| independent.co.uk |
|---|
| – Keir Starmer held secret talks with Emmanuel Macron about Brexit – The meeting took place in Paris and covered various issues including Britain’s relationship with the EU and tackling small boat Channel crossings – Jeremy Hunt accused Labour of wanting to “unpick” Brexit if it wins the next general election, which Sir Keir rejected – Sir Keir expressed his desire for a closer trading relationship with the EU and not wanting to diverge from the bloc’s rules on workers’ rights, food, and the environment – |
| The Conservatives criticized Sir Keir’s remarks, accusing him of flip-flopping and taking the country back in time – Sir Keir clarified that there was no intention of reversing Brexit and that laws would be made in the UK for the public interest, but standards on food and workers’ rights would not be lowered – Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, defended Labour’s stance, stating that they accepted the result of the 2016 referendum but wanted to improve trading relations with the EU – France and Germany were reportedly considering offering Britain “associate membership” of the EU – Some Brexiteers see leaving the EU as an opportunity to change regulations, while others argue that EU rules help maintain high standards and warn against divergence – Businesses have raised concerns about potential extra costs from divergence – |
| The Brexit deal negotiated by Boris Johnson will lead to gradual divergence from EU rules, but immediate purging of EU legislation has been abandoned – Labour clarified that it would not rejoin the single market or customs union and there would be no return to the EU in any form. |
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