Labour Leadership Candidates Consider Softer Brexit Strategies

As the Labour Party prepares for potential leadership challenges, insiders indicate a growing inclination among candidates to adopt softer Brexit policies. This shift comes amid concerns that current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's approach may not sufficiently address economic growth or voter appeal, particularly ahead of the May local elections, where significant losses are anticipated.

iNews

Starmer's Brexit strategy, which aims to enhance UK-EU relations through agreements on trade, energy, and youth mobility, has seen some progress, including the UK's planned rejoining of the Erasmus student exchange program in 2027. However, negotiations for the UK to join the EU’s weapons rearmament fund have stalled, highlighting the complexities of the current relationship. Critics within Labour argue that Starmer's incremental approach is inadequate, prompting discussions among potential leadership contenders about a more pro-EU stance.

iNews

Prominent figures such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are reportedly exploring softer Brexit positions. Streeting has suggested the possibility of joining a customs union with the EU, a move that the current government has dismissed. Labour insiders note that candidates are motivated by the need to appeal to party members and voters who feel disillusioned with the party's direction, particularly as Labour loses ground to the Greens and Liberal Democrats.

iNews

Polling data reveals that a significant majority of Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green voters support discussions on rejoining the EU, with 70% favoring this direction. Additionally, 80% of those who voted for Labour in the last election desire a new leader who will pursue customs union negotiations. This sentiment reflects a broader consensus within the party that the current Brexit strategy is failing to resonate with the electorate.

iNews

Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe, emphasizes that candidates are recognizing the need to attract urban, young, and educated voters, who are more likely to support closer ties with the EU. However, he cautions that any new leadership would face challenges in implementing significant policy changes before the next election, potentially leading to political backlash without immediate economic benefits.

iNews

In response to the discussions around a customs union, a government spokesperson reiterated its opposition, stating, “This is the framework I am negotiating in – no customs union, no single market, no freedom of movement.” This stance underscores the tension between Labour's internal factions and the government's established position on Brexit.

iNews

While there is a clear movement within Labour towards softer Brexit policies, the extent to which this reflects genuine strategic shifts or mere factional maneuvering remains uncertain. The internal dynamics of the party complicate the potential for a cohesive approach to Brexit, especially as leadership challenges loom.

iNews

• “The Labour insider said: “Things are in flux and candidates are trying to work out how they can appeal to party members, as well as to voters [that] Labour is haemorrhaging leftwards.” — Labour Insider

iNews

• “People aren’t stupid – if you want the kind of diehard supporters to vote for you, Europe is the place to look – that is the policy area where there are a lot of diehard supporters.” — Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe

iNews

• “The warning to those wanting to go further is that nothing will come for free – they’ll have to be bolder in public to win over Brussels,” — David Henig, UK Director at the European Centre for International Political Economy

iNews