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ShareSummary: Keir Starmer has declared Britain will move closer to the EU single market this year, signalling a major shift in the UK’s post-Brexit direction. Speaking in Munich, the Prime Minister said deeper economic alignment is now urgent for growth and security. Critics warn the move risks turning Britain back into a rule-taker by another route.
Starmer Signals Closer EU Single Market Alignment
According to The Telegraph, Sir Keir Starmer has told the Munich Security Conference that Britain must move closer to the EU single market as soon as this year.
The Prime Minister said the “status quo is not fit for purpose” and confirmed Labour is prepared to consider deeper economic alignment with Brussels.
“This includes looking again at closer economic alignment. We are already aligned with the single market in some areas, to drive down the prices of food and energy.”
“We are trusted partners and as the Chancellor of the Exchequer said this week, deeper economic integration is in all of our interests. So we must look at where we could move closer to the single market in other sectors as well, where that would work for both sides.”
He added:
“The prize here is greater security, stronger growth for the United Kingdom and the EU which will fuel increased defence spending and the chance to place the UK at the centre of a wave of European industrial renewal.”
Starmer acknowledged political risks.
“I understand the politics very well. It will mean trade-offs. But the status quo is not fit for purpose … I will always fight for what’s best for my country.”
“We Are Not The Britain Of The Brexit Years”
In a question-and-answer session, Starmer went further.
“We are 10 years on from Brexit, we are not the Britain of the Brexit years. We’re a Britain that wants to work with the EU even more closely in light of the challenge that we face here 10 years on.”
He confirmed “greater steps forward” would be discussed at a UK-EU summit later this year.
“We will have another one this year where we can make greater steps forward. But this is of some urgency.”
The Prime Minister framed the shift around defence and security, arguing that the war in Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities across Europe.
At the same conference, he attacked Reform UK and the Greens as “soft on Russia” and “weak on Nato”, suggesting Britain’s security would be at risk under alternative leadership.
He also insisted that the UK’s defence and intelligence relationship with the United States remains strong.
“The reality on the ground so far as the UK is concerned is we are working with the US on defence, security and intelligence 24/7, every single day… and I see no sign of that weakening.”
What Does “Closer Alignment” Actually Mean?
This is the critical question.
Alignment with the EU single market usually involves accepting regulatory standards set in Brussels. In practice, that can mean following rules without having a formal vote on shaping them.
Supporters argue closer ties will reduce trade friction, lower food and energy costs and boost growth. Critics argue it risks hollowing out the sovereignty Brexit was meant to restore.
Starmer says Britain is “already aligned in some areas”. The direction of travel now appears to be expanding that alignment.
For voters who backed Leave, the phrase “move closer to the single market” will raise eyebrows.
For businesses frustrated by export barriers, it may sound pragmatic.
The Prime Minister insists this is about realism, security and economic gravity. Opponents will argue it looks like gradual reintegration by stealth.
Ten years after the referendum, Brexit remains unfinished business. And with another UK-EU summit looming, the debate over sovereignty versus integration is about to intensify once again.
