Labour's shift on Brexit: A closer embrace of the EU in the offing?

Following his visit to the Hague last week,  Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is, today, continuing to take strides to “make Brexit work”, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting provides an opportunity for Starmer to not only consolidate his presence on the European stage as the next potential UK Prime Minister, but to further discuss how a Labour government would seek to cooperate with the UK’s biggest trading partners – the EU.   

Previously, Labour's approach to the thorny subject of the EU appeared somewhat ambiguous. Critics argued that the party's commitment to "make Brexit work" lacked a clear blueprint, leaving voters in the dark about Labour's true position. 

However, the past few weeks have seen Labour putting forward clearer proposals. In a bid to help crack down on the small boats crisis, Starmer has revealed the party’s intention to strike a migration deal with the EU. This has already come under fierce criticism from senior Conservatives who believe this deal could result in the UK accepting over 100,000 migrants from the EU every year. Labour has since sought to rebuff these claims as “nonsense” with Starmer saying on Sunday, “we will not be part of [an EU quota system], we are not an EU member”. 

Away from migration, Starmer underlined in a recent interview with the Financial Times that fostering a closer trading relationship with Brussels would be at the heart of Labour's growth policy. He explained that the review of Britain’s Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, due in 2025, represents an important moment to reset relations and increase opportunities for certain sectors. For example, Starmer has already said he wants to improve the Brexit deal by striking a veterinary agreement with the EU. 

This realignment, however, is not without its challenges. The Labour Party is known for its remain-leaning membership base, making this pro-EU shift seemingly in line with the party's internal sentiments. But the broader objective appears to be an attempt to recapture the Brexit voters who sided away from Labour in the last general election. This balancing act, aiming to appease both the remainers and the Brexit voters, could prove a tightrope walk for Starmer and his team. 

Adding a further layer of difficulty for Starmer is the EU’s attitude to renegotiation. Today, a report published by UK in a Changing Europe found that officials in Brussels are tired of Brexit, and have other priorities.   

As the political dynamics around Brexit continue to evolve, all eyes are on Labour's next strategic move. Brexit is still arguably one of the most divisive issues in modern UK politics and Labour will have to tread carefully in the lead up to next general election.