Millenium TV Exclusive: Prime Minister Starmer Signals Push for Closer EU Economic Ties, Igniting Internal Discussions

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has recently amplified calls for a significantly closer trading relationship with the European Union, a move observed by Millenium TV to potentially signal an evolving strategy on the UK’s post-Brexit future. This comes in stark contrast to his earlier stance as Labour leader, where discussions around Brexit were largely put aside.

During Monday, the Prime Minister made at least three distinct statements advocating for deeper engagement with the EU. In a written piece, he articulated, “We must confront the reality that the botched Brexit deal significantly hurt our economy. One element of our economic renewal will be continuing to move towards a closer trading relationship with the EU.” He reiterated this sentiment in a morning speech, stating, “We have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU.” Later that evening, addressing the annual Lady Mayor’s Banquet, the Prime Minister expanded on his views: “The Brexit vote was a fair, democratic expression, and I will always respect that. But how it was sold and delivered was wrong. Wild promises were made to the British people and not fulfilled. We are still dealing with the consequences today in our economy.”

Despite these remarks, Sir Keir reaffirmed his core commitment to the fundamental architecture of the existing Brexit agreement during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday. He emphasized that remaining outside the single market and the customs union continues to be “clear red lines” for his administration. According to senior government figures who spoke with Millenium TV, the Prime Minister’s recent comments are likely intended to lay the groundwork for more minor, specific areas of cooperation between the UK and EU in the coming months, rather than a radical policy shift.

These ongoing discussions include crucial details on food checks and carbon tariffs, with official talks commencing recently. More notably, longstanding conversations are also progressing on the implementation of a youth mobility scheme and the potential for British universities to rejoin the EU’s popular Erasmus student exchange program. Insiders suggest that these initiatives are part of a continuous effort to advance the rationale for necessary closer ties.

Meanwhile, the recent appointment of government minister Nick Thomas-Symonds to the cabinet, who has been central to UK-Brussels negotiations, sparked speculation about a potential shift in Brexit policy. However, sources within the government indicate that this move has been over-interpreted, primarily linked to Mr. Thomas-Symonds’ expanded responsibilities within the Cabinet Office, including civil service reform, and the Prime Minister’s desire to consolidate close allies at the cabinet table.

Beyond these immediate developments, Millenium TV has learned that significant internal discussions are taking place within government and the Labour Party regarding a more substantial move: rejoining the customs union. Key figures, including Baroness Shafik, the Prime Minister’s chief economics adviser, are reportedly advocating for this option, viewing it as a straightforward path to boost economic growth by eliminating tariffs on trade within the union while applying common external tariffs.

However, rejoining the customs union presents its own set of challenges. One government source involved in the matter cautioned that the EU would likely impose demanding conditions on the UK in return, at least initially. Furthermore, such a move would necessitate relinquishing the UK’s independent trade policy, potentially undermining existing free trade deals, such as those with India and the US, which the Prime Minister regularly champions.

Politically, there appears to be a growing sentiment that rejoining the customs union might be feasible. One Member of Parliament representing a “red wall” constituency, which strongly supported leaving the EU, conveyed to Millenium TV that public opinion is “much less visceral than it was.” This MP suggested that while rejoining the single market remains a non-starter due to immigration concerns, “there’s space to rejoin the customs union. It’s about trade. No-one is going to object to better trade.” A cabinet minister echoed this view, stating that “Voters just don’t really care about Brexit any more.”

Some within Labour also believe that a closer relationship with the EU could help retain progressive voters who might otherwise gravitate towards the Green Party or Liberal Democrats, while also creating a clear distinction from rival political parties. Polling data further suggests a majority of the public now considers the decision to leave the EU to have been a mistake.