Monday 06 April 2026 5:54 am  |  Updated:  Friday 03 April 2026 10:14 am

Keir Starmer believes undoing Brexit will solve Britain’s problems – he’s wrong

By: Eliot Wilson

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The only way Starmer can get everything he wants from a relationship “reset” with Brussels is by rejoining the EU, says Eliot Wilson

This Wednesday is the anniversary of Britain and France signing the Entente cordiale in 1904. It was actually three separate agreements, ostensibly dealing with colonial boundaries and fishing rights, but in practice it represented a major shift in policy and bilateral relations for both parties. Recent mood music from 10 Downing Street has made it sound as if Sir Keir Starmer didn’t just get the memo, but was instrumental in drafting it.

Labour came to power in 2024 bullish on improving the UK’s relationship with the European Union. It was confident that the task would be straightforward and would be the sword which cut through the Gordian knot of sluggish economic growth, excessive regulation and tense relations on issues like migration.

The party’s manifesto had a strong whiff of believing six impossible things before breakfast: there would be no return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement, and absolutely no prospect of rejoining the EU. Yet the government would “reset the relationship” and “deepen ties with our European friends”, and this........

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