'We can't reverse Brexit': Keir Starmer plans to skewer govt over issues plaguing deal

6 April 2022, 13:48 | Updated: 6 April 2022, 15:10

James O'Brien confronts Keir Starmer on Brexit

By Emma Soteriou

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to "ramp up" criticism of the government and how it has dealt with Brexit in the coming months, highlighting issues around Northern Ireland, trade and labour shortages.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Speaking to James O'Brien, Sir Keir said there is "no case for rejoining the EU" but Labour will "make it work".

He said: "We can't reverse Brexit. There's no case for rejoining the EU.

"That's not a case for ignoring it though," James argued.

Sir Keir explained: "No, I agree with that. All this government has done - it is the thinnest of deals, they said they can 'get Brexit done' and they thought that was it - job done.

"It's not. We've got to make Brexit work and that means we need to deal with these gaps and these problems.

"We can't go on with these labour shortages, with businesses struggling, we need to make Brexit work.

"So, there's not case for rejoining the EU, but we've got to make Brexit work.

"The Government thought the slogan would do it and that was enough. That's obviously not enough."

Read more: Jacob Rees-Mogg: It's the EU's fault fishermen struggle to sell to Europe - not Brexit

Read more: Andrew Marr blasts Boris for 'ludicrous and offensive' Ukraine Brexit comparison

'The Homes for Ukrainians scheme is a complete mess!' 

James asked: "Can you foresee a moment where you might actually mention in PMQs that Brexit is having a negative impact on all of the areas of British life that politicians are supposed to be most concerned about?"

"Yes, we're going to ramp up our criticism across the board in relation to the government because this all goes to the central question of the growth of the economy," Sir Keir said.

"The last 12 years have been absolutely appalling."

He added: "The reason we're so high in tax is because we've been so low in growth.

"Obviously, the government's failure with Brexit is part of that and I certainly intend to take that to the Prime Minister."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Tourists visiting Arlington Row in Bibury

'England's most beautiful village' flooded by 'intolerable' TikTok tourists, as residents hit back

Charlie Mullins has revealed he was threatened with being stripped of his OBE

Labour threatened to take my OBE, says Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins

Matthew Pennycook

Government 'laser focused' on not buying solar panels from companies with forced labour, says minister

The 'illuminated swirl'

Eery 'glowing spiral' appears in night sky - as Met Office reveals likely cause

Elon Musk’s estranged daughter Vivian has given a rare interview

Elon Musk’s estranged daughter describes tycoon as ‘pathetic man-child’ and reveals her view of 'Nazi' salute

Exclusive
c

Extra defence spending to double workforce of manufacturing firm, as ministers insist UK economy will grow

A police officer has been fired for grooming a child

'Repugnant' Met police officer fired for grooming 11-year-old girl - but won't face criminal charges

JD Vance and Pete Hegseth criticised European countries in the leaked chat

Trump's Cabinet call Europe 'pathetic freeloaders' in bombshell leaked texts as journalist accidentally added to chat

David Lalgee's actions are thought to have saved his wife's life

'Hero' grandfather sacrifices his own life to save wife in horror motorway crash with runaway lorry

Firefighters extinguish a fire at damaged residential building in the city centre after Russian shelling on March 24, 2025 in Sumy

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'hollow' peace talks after school bombed, as Trump says mineral deal 'just about complete'

Exclusive
Owen Cooper (l) and Stephen Graham (r) star in Adolescence

Netflix hit Adolescence should force change, UK's most senior domestic abuse police officer tells LBC

Exclusive
Pharmacies To Vote On Work To Rule In Face Of Dwinding Financial Support From Government

More than two thirds of pharmacies say they will be forced to shut within a year without more government cash

Electron micrograph of adenovirus

Viruses and bacteria that pose the greatest risk to public health in the UK revealed - see the full list

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, celebrates following the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Latvia at Wembley Stadium on March 24, 2025 in London, England.

Brilliant Reece James free kick sees England continue 100% record under Tuchel after 3-0 win over Latvia

The most common cause of death among victims of domestic abuse was suspected suicide for the second year running, a new report shows.

More domestic abusers to be charged with manslaughter after partner ends own life, police say

Chris Stark attends The BRIT Awards 2025 at Intercontinental Hotel on March 01, 2025.

Capital Breakfast presenter Chris Stark reveals testicular cancer diagnosis, urging men to ‘check themselves’