Sir Keir Starmer's plans relating to the UK's future relationship with the EU are unclear, but then again, his ever-shifting image and (apparent) political position (embracing Corbynism and Blairism), in an attempt to appeal to both Left and Right, Middle and Working class, the old red wall and staunchly pro-EU constituencies, does rather confuse everyone.
He campaigned for Remain and once advocated a second referendum, but subsequently stated that Brexit is now settled and we would not be rejoining the club. Early in 2023 the mysterious one said he wanted to bring in a 'take back control' bill if he won the General Election. While appearing on the surface to embrace the Brexit message, it was in name only, because regional devolution and abolition of the House of Lords would not deviate from EU policy but rather just continue where Tony Blair left off in his constitutional vandalism/'reforms'.
There has been a suspicious silence on the subject by him on the hustings, which does suggest a reluctance to 'frighten the horses'. The favourite to replace Rishi Sunak in Downing Street has, however, expressed a desire to align with the EU more on trade regulations, security, education and defence. Agreements that would entail compromises, especially on trade. The apparent benefits of such agreements does include real risk of the surrender of sovereignty by stealth. While actual rejoining has been ruled out, for now, closer alignment involving judicial oversight and authority by EU courts is possible, even likely.
Should those who voted Brexit and believed that meant a restoration of sovereignty and control, be concerned that a Labour administration would not only squander the benefits of Brexit opportunities still waiting to be exploited, but put the country back into the thrall of the EU? Yes. In a world where unelected supranational institutions and quangos seem to have more power over us than our own elected representatives, even more so.
If 2016 meant anything at all, it was the vox populi given expression in a message that democracy and control of a nation's interests by that nation without the interference of unelected intermediaries or overseers, was regarded as inviolable. This must never be undone.
