Moment Keir Starmer declares ‘we don’t want to diverge’ from EU after promising to seek a major rewrite of Brexit deal

Labour leader caught on camera admitting desire for closer ties with the EU

Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has been accused of attempting to drag Britain back into the European Union. Secretly filmed footage shows Starmer stating that Labour "don’t want to diverge" from EU rules during a conference for left-wing leaders in Canada. Although he clarified that the UK would not formally re-join the bloc, he expressed a desire for a much closer relationship with Brussels.

Backlash from critics

The leaked footage, obtained by Sky News, has sparked criticism from Starmer's opponents. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly pointed out Starmer's shifting stance on EU relations, questioning what Labour actually stands for. Former cabinet minister Simon Clarke argued that Britain should not simply accept EU rules, as it was a fundamental point of contention in previous parliamentary debates and the basis of the last election.

A shift in position

The comments in the leaked footage mark a significant departure from Starmer's previous public statements regarding EU relations. He previously expressed more cautious views and highlighted the importance of respecting democratic decisions made by the British public.

Controversies continue

This latest revelation follows recent controversy surrounding Starmer's stance on illegal migration. He faced backlash after allegations surfaced that he would allow thousands of illegal migrants who arrive in Europe to enter the UK under a returns agreement with Brussels.

In response to the leaked footage, a spokesperson for the Labour Party emphasized that they are not seeking to rejoin the single market or the customs union. They maintained that Labour will not be in a position where they are merely rule-takers.