SIR Keir Starmer yesterday insisted Labour’s Brexit “red lines” remain intact after yet another Cabinet minister talked up the benefits of getting closer to Brussels.
Downing Street claimed Britain won’t be dragged back into the customs union after Health Secretary Wes Streeting apppeared to endorse the move.
Deputy PM David Lammy had also previously failed to rule out the idea, which is known to have the backing of senior No10 aides.
A No10 spokesman said: “We have been very open about the need to reset our relationship with the EU and strengthen that relationship while sticking to our red lines, and that position has been consistent.”
The PM’s red lines include free movement, rejoining the customs union and the single market.
Asked if his Cabinet is disunited on Brexit, Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “I think what the Cabinet has been very clear on is that there is a need to reset our relationship with the EU, that is what the Prime Minister and the Cabinet have been working on over the last 12 months.”
Pressed on whether the PM was content with ministers speaking outside their briefs, he added Sir Keir feels “very happy with his Cabinet”.
Earlier in the month, the Prime Minister outlined how the UK must “confront the reality” about boosting growth after one of his top aides suggested rejoining the EU customs union.
He also hit out at how Brexit was sold and delivered saying it was simply wrong adding “wild promises” were made but not fulfilled in a major speech in the City.
But Sir Keir risked provoking fury that Ministers must carry on “reducing frictions” with the bloc saying Brits must accept that Brexit “significantly hurt” our economy.
The PM said: “We have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU, and we have to be grown up about that, to accept that this will require trade-offs.
He added: “We will continue to reject drift, to confront reality and take control of our future.”
