Brexit Battle Lines Redrawn: Sunak Warns of Labour’s Threat to UK’s Sovereignty on EU Referendum Anniversary

On the eighth anniversary of the EU referendum, top Conservatives are backing Rishi Sunak’s assertion that Labour might jeopardize the UK's Brexit achievements if they come to power.

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 10:

On the eighth anniversary of the EU referendum, the Conservative Party has asserted that a Labour government might jeopardize the future of Brexit, as expressed in various statements and editorial pieces.

Rishi Sunak has leveled multiple accusations against his opponent Sir Keir Starmer, asserting that if the Labour Party were to take power, Starmer would reintroduce the free movement of EU citizens, increase the number of illegal migrants, and once more entangle British businesses in bureaucratic regulations from Brussels.

“He has consistently doubted our ability to prosper as an independent nation and has repeatedly attempted to reverse the outcome,” he stated. “Now, he has pledged to prolong negotiations with the EU and forfeit all the significant freedoms we’ve achieved, such as forming additional trade agreements and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

"Under no illusions, Brexit could be at risk with Labour in charge."

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Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has accused Starmer and the Labour Party of lacking faith in Britain's capacity to independently chart its own course.

"She added that rather than seizing the opportunities, Starmer seeks to renegotiate the Brexit agreement, essentially resetting us to a position where we are once again adhering to rules set by Brussels."

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"The Conservatives alone are committed to implementing the decisive measures necessary to establish a stable and autonomous future for our nation."

What is Labour's position on Brexit and the European Union?

Last month, Sir Keir informed Sky News of his intention to pursue "a superior Brexit agreement than the current one" should he win in the upcoming general election.

"He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the current trade agreements, stating, 'We were told we’d receive a fully prepared deal, but what we ended up with was quite underdeveloped.'"

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The Labour Party's manifesto references Brexit once, stating: "With Labour, Britain will remain outside the EU. However, to capitalize on future opportunities, we need to ensure Brexit is successful."

"The statement goes on to say, 'We aim to rejuvenate and strengthen our connections with our European partners and allies.' This does not imply revisiting old conflicts."

"There will be no reinstatement of membership in the single market or customs union, nor will there be a restoration of the right to free movement.

"Rather, Labour intends to enhance the UK's commercial and investment ties with the EU by eliminating superfluous trade obstacles."

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In a recent article for the Sunday Telegraph, Home Secretary James Cleverly accused the Labour Party of potentially allowing 100,000 illegal migrants into the country, an assertion that a Labour spokesperson has dismissed as "desperate lies from a party that has completely failed at managing our borders and handling the asylum system."

In a recent interview with The Times, Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, raised concerns about the Labour Party's stance on EU relations. He highlighted that there are significant doubts regarding Labour's approach, particularly given that their leader, Keir Starmer, previously made extensive efforts to obstruct a Brexit agreement and to push for a second referendum.

"I was present during the discussions aiming to broker a deal between the Labour Party and the Conservatives, led by Theresa May, to finalize a Brexit agreement."

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As forecasts increasingly show Labour on track for a significant lead, the party's national campaign coordinator has emphasized to voters: "Change is only possible through your votes."

In an article for the Observer, Labour’s national campaign coordinator, Pat McFadden, expressed concern that the current election debate might become overly focused on poll results and the notion that the election results are already decided. He emphasized, “This election is definitely not a foregone conclusion.”

"The focus on the recent batch of MRP polls masks a significant amount of unpredictability."

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