The Tories pledged to reverse any moves by Labour to undo Brexit if they return to power. Shadow Cabinet Office Secretary Alex Burghart made the promise in the House of Commons today amid Sir Keir Starmer’s “reset” with the EU.
The Conservatives put down a motion urging the Government not to align on standards or join other EU bodies and initiatives. It comes ahead of a joint summit between the UK and EU in London next week.
Mr Burghart told MPs: “We on this side of the House are clear, following the referendum this country turned a page and it’s very important that his party does not turn it back. The fact is that we are on the brink of witnessing yet another disastrous Labour deal, because we know that when Labour negotiates, Britain loses.
“To leave the House in no doubt, if and when my party is back in power, we will reverse any handover of power, any imposition of EU law, any new rights for the European Court of Justice, and any new budgetary commitments.
“It’s my party that took the country out of the EU, and it’s my party that will keep it out.”
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds insisted there would be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or single market.
The Labour MP said: “Driven by our ruthlessly pragmatic approach, next Monday’s UK/EU summit will be the first of annual summits between the UK and EU. It will be a day of delivery.
“Delivering on our manifesto, not returning to the customs union, single market or freedom of movement, or revisiting the arguments of 2016.”
He added: “Trade, security, defence and other areas of our relationship should never be treated as a zero-sum game. It is possible to deliver on all fronts and that is exactly what this Government is doing.
“So, I look forward to turning the page next week as we forge a new strategic partnership with our European friends, making Brexit work in the interests of the British people, we are stepping up and meeting the moment, making people safer, more secure and delivering growth. Delivering in our national interest, which is what this Government will do.”