McDonald says Starmer seeks closer EU ties without reviving Brexit divisions

Labour is sending mixed signals about how closely the UK should align with the EU, prompting debate over whether the party might eventually support rejoining. Science minister Chris McDonald said Keir Starmer wants a more stable relationship that benefits the economy, while stressing that the Government does not want to revive the divisive arguments over Brexit.

The discussion follows Andy Burnham’s call for serious dialogue about long-term options and his refusal to rule out a future Labour manifesto commitment to rejoin. Starmer is seeking closer ties ahead of a planned summit with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen next month. Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock, by contrast, said Starmer obviously wants the UK to rejoin.