In a notable rhetorical pivot, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated a deliberate campaign to advocate for enhanced economic collaboration with the European Union, while simultaneously affirming his commitment to the fundamental structure of the post-Brexit settlement. This nuanced positioning represents Starmer’s most explicit acknowledgment to date that the current Brexit agreement has adversely impacted Britain’s economic landscape.
The Prime Minister articulated this stance across multiple high-profile platforms on Monday, including an op-ed in The Guardian and speeches to influential audiences. He characterized the implementation of Brexit as ‘botched’ and lamented the ‘wild promises’ made to the British public that remained unfulfilled. ‘One element of our economic renewal will be continuing to move towards a closer trading relationship with the EU,’ Starmer declared, marking a significant evolution from his previous cautious approach to EU relations.
Despite this rhetorical shift, government sources emphasize that substantial policy changes remain unlikely. During Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer reaffirmed that remaining outside the single market and customs union constitute ‘clear red lines’ for his administration. The apparent contradiction between rhetoric and policy reflects a carefully calibrated strategy to prepare the ground for incremental improvements in specific sectors rather than wholesale renegotiation.
Current negotiations focus on technical enhancements including streamlined food checks, carbon tariff agreements, and potential youth mobility schemes. The recent cabinet appointment of Nick Thomas-Symonds, who has overseen EU negotiations, has sparked speculation about more ambitious goals, though government insiders characterize this as organizational restructuring rather than policy shift.
Within government circles, a quiet debate persists regarding the possibility of customs union reintegration. Some advisors, including Starmer’s chief economics adviser Baroness Shafik, reportedly advocate rejoining the customs union as the most straightforward method to stimulate economic growth. However, practical obstacles remain substantial, including potential EU demands for concessions and the sacrifice of Britain’s independent trade policy—a cornerstone of the government’s current international approach.
Politically, Labour strategists detect shifting public attitudes toward Brexit. According to one ‘red wall’ MP representing a strongly pro-Leave constituency: ‘It’s much less visceral than it was. Even in constituencies like mine there’s space to go quite far. The single market is a non-starter because you reopen the immigration issue. But there’s space to rejoin the customs union. It’s about trade. No-one is going to object to better trade.’
This assessment finds support in recent polling indicating majority public belief that leaving the EU was mistaken. A cabinet minister noted the changing political landscape: ‘Brexit is becoming like the Iraq War. Lots of people supported it at the time but now you can’t find anyone who admits to it.’
The government’s calibrated approach reflects both economic pragmatism and political calculation, seeking to appeal to progressive voters desiring closer EU ties while avoiding alienation of traditional Brexit supporters. This balancing act will likely define Britain’s evolving relationship with Europe throughout Starmer’s premiership.