Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Starmer: No EU reentry in my lifetime

He said that Labour could secure better trading agreements with the EU in specific sectors

Starmer: No EU reentry in my lifetime

Labour leader Keir Starmer has said that the UK will not rejoin the EU, the single market, or the customs union during his lifetime, reported The Guardian.

This declaration is his strongest commitment yet that Labour will not pursue significantly closer ties with Europe while he serves as prime minister.


Addressing reporters, Starmer added that he does not believe Britain will re-enter any of these three entities during his lifetime, effectively dismissing the possibility even if he secures a second term in office.

“No. I don’t think that that is going to happen. I’ve been very clear about not rejoining the EU, the single market, or the customs union – or [allowing a] return to freedom of movement," Starmer was quoted as saying.

Recently, Starmer has begun speaking more openly about his party’s plans in power, with polls indicating a potential landslide victory. He also mentioned his intention to extend the parliamentary timetable immediately post-election to allow more legislative time before the summer.

Starmer has largely avoided discussing EU relations during the campaign to prevent alienating leave voters, a mistake Labour made in 2019 by promising a second referendum.

Some have speculated that this reluctance conceals a desire to rejoin the customs union or single market during a second Labour term, as senior party figures have not completely ruled out this possibility. However, Starmer firmly denied this on Wednesday (3).

However, he reiterated that Labour could secure better trading agreements with the EU in specific sectors.

“I do think we could get a better deal than the botched one we got under Boris Johnson, particularly in trading, research and development, and security,” he said.

Discussing the legislative agenda, he said: “Given the tight timetable, it’s uncertain how much legislation we will have passed by the end of July. It seems clear to me that we’ll need to extend the timetable. We will be working very hard.”

Starmer's initial days in office are expected to involve tackling various crises, including the issue of overcrowded prisons. According to reports, he has started discussing the long-term challenges for a Labour government, such as countering the threat of right-wing populism.

He also expressed his commitment to combat the appeal of parties like Reform UK and even suggested a willingness to collaborate across party lines to do so.

More For You

uk-energy-bill-iStock

Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are rising, while the minimum wage has also increased (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

April bill increases put financial strain on single parents

A RANGE of essential household bills are increasing from April, with Citizens Advice warning that single parents will be among the hardest hit.

Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are rising, while the minimum wage has also increased, BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
Netflix drama Adolescence to be screened in UK schools
Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper in 'Adolescence'
Netflix

Netflix drama Adolescence to be screened in UK schools

THE NETFLIX drama Adolescence will be shown in UK secondary schools as part of efforts to address harmful online influences on young boys, officials announced on Monday.

The show has sparked debate over the impact of toxic and misogynistic content on the internet. Prime minister Keir Starmer met the show's creators, charities, and young people at Downing Street, calling the initiative an important step in starting discussions about the content teenagers are exposed to online.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sanger-Tribute

Indian high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami speaking at the memorial.

Bhavan London pays tribute to Joginder Sanger

BHAVAN LONDON held a tribute event on 27 March to honour Joginder Sanger, a British Indian hotelier and philanthropist who passed away at 82 on 28 February.

Sanger, born in Jalandhar, India, established several London hotels, including the Washington Mayfair Hotel, Courthouse Hotels in Soho and Shoreditch, and the Bentley in Kensington.

Keep ReadingShow less
Imran-Khan-Getty

Imran Khan, founder of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been in jail since August 2023. (Photo: Getty)

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

FORMER Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on human rights and democracy.

The nomination was announced by members of the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA), an advocacy group formed in December, who are also part of the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Barnaby Rogerson in conversation with Anthony Sattin (L) on day 2 of Voices of Faith

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Mahesh Liloriya

The second day of Voices of Faith unfolded with an enchanting blend of music, philosophy, and intellectual exploration at the Barbican Centre, London. This inaugural festival, curated by Teamwork Arts—the force behind the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London—has been made possible by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners, amplifying the festival’s reach and resonance.

Session 1- Echoes of eternity: The timeless notes of Kabir

Keep ReadingShow less