SIR Keir Starmer has sparked fears of a full-blown Brexit betrayal after declaring Britain should “get closer” to the EU’s single market.
The PM said the UK needs a “closer and stronger” relationship with Brussels after Labour ministers openly toyed with rejoining the customs union.
Signing up to the single market would axe tariffs but hand rule-making power back to Brussels and reopen the door to free movement.
When asked whether he would consider joining the customs union, Sir Keir told podcaster Matt Forde: “I do think though there are other ways we can get closer to the EU.
“I actually think the single market would be more effective than the customs union.
“I do think we can go further on trade.
“We can get closer to the single market.
“We’ve already done an agreement on agriculture and food and we are implementing that this year.
“So there are things we can do.
“I feel strongly that the relationship with the EU should get closer and stronger.
“And that is what we set out to do when we reset it in the spring of last year.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary David Lammy and Business Secretary Peter Kyle have all recently broken ranks to call for deeper alignment with Brussels.
