Labour's Evolving Stance on Brexit and European Relations under Keir Starmer
At the 2018 Labour conference, Keir Starmer, then the party's Brexit spokesman, signaled openness to remain as an option, challenging Jeremy Corbyn's approach to the issue.
By 2020, Starmer, after becoming Labour leader, declared the Brexit issue settled by the 2019 general election, with the party's manifesto setting red lines that barred re-entry into the EU, the single market, or a customs union.
Since 2019 and 2020, Labour has aimed to appeal to Brexit-facing voters in key constituencies, even as polls indicated shifting views among that group.
By 2025, under Starmer's leadership, the party has emphasized the economic damage Brexit has caused, with estimates suggesting the UK economy could be 6–8% smaller than if it had remained in the EU.
The government's reshaped deal with Brussels, agreed last summer, is described as delivering only minor economic benefits. Discussions are ongoing regarding a more expansive youth mobility scheme, and several Labour MPs have supported a motion advocating joining a customs union.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has publicly considered the benefits of joining a customs union, while Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has maintained existing red lines but indicated they could be bypassed in future negotiations.
There is active consideration within Labour about initiating negotiations now on a more ambitious EU deal, to be included in the next Labour manifesto, with any implementation contingent upon securing a fresh electoral mandate.
Starmer has cautioned that re-entering a European customs area could jeopardize existing US trade agreements, reflecting a careful stance towards closer EU alignment.
Within Labour, rivals such as Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are regarded as potential future leaders who might advocate for stronger European ties, thereby creating internal pressure on Starmer to adopt a bolder position on Europe and Brexit.
