Starmer faces accusations of Brexit betrayal over single market plans

The prime minister said he wants closer alignment with the EU single market; opposition leaders and some Conservatives said the remarks breach previous Brexit pledges.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he wants closer alignment with the EU single market and that he would "go further" with the EU if it is in the national interest. He said a return to the customs union was not the right path and described full freedom of movement as off the table, while mentioning a possible travel-and-work scheme for 18- to 30-year-olds. The comments come amid internal party pressure over Brexit policy and as Labour's position in opinion polls remains weak. Rival party leaders criticised the remarks as a break with past pledges. Key points: - The prime minister said he favours closer alignment with the EU single market and suggested considering further alignment where it serves the national interest. - He ruled out returning to the customs union and said full freedom of movement would not be restored, while mentioning a potential scheme for 18- to 30-year-olds to travel and work. - Opposition figures, including Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, described the remarks as a breach of prior commitments or a sign of weakness. - Labour faces internal debate over EU links, and 13 Labour MPs recently backed a proposal on a customs union; the government has not set out a detailed plan or timetable. Summary: The comments have intensified debate about Labour's post-Brexit stance and provoked criticism from rival parties and some within Parliament. They add to political pressure on the government but do not yet amount to a defined policy change or schedule. Undetermined at this time.