‘Flip-flopper’ Starmer warned not to loosen immigration rules in return for closer ties with EU to cut red tape
SIR Keir Starmer has been warned against Brexit backsliding as he meets EU leaders in Brussels today.
The PM wants closer ties with the bloc to reduce red tape — but faces demands to loosen some immigration rules in return.
Pledging a “reset” on Britain’s relationship with the EU, he will extend an olive branch to “put the Brexit years behind us”.
In exchange for removing certain barriers, Brussels wants him to sign up to a youth mobility scheme allowing EU under-30s to live and work in the UK for a limited time.
Sir Keir, who backed Remain, has ruled out any return to full freedom of movement, as well as rejoining the single market or customs union.
However, he is understood to be open to a softened version that does not compromise these red lines. But Brexiteer critics warn it could see a return to freedom of movement by the back door.
Tory leadership contender James Cleverly said: “Keir Starmer has flip-flopped on Brexit for years; he wanted a second referendum then he didn’t. He’s spent years trying to reverse it and his intentions are pretty clear. He will do anything to cosy up to Europe.”
The PM is due to meet EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen, Charles Michel and Roberta Metsola in what has been described as “talks before the talks” where leaders will set out the outline of a deal.
But Brussels sources are sceptical of any agreement being reached. Illegal migration is also on the agenda but no serious talks of an EU returns deal are expected.
Sir Keir said Britain is “undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners”.
He added that with the threat of war and conflict at Europe’s door, he is “determined to establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union”.