Labour floats closer post-Brexit EU ties under Starmer
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Hilary Benn, Labour's Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, says the EU will breathe a "sigh of relief" if Labour wins the next UK election under Keir Starmer's leadership.
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Benn suggests Labour should seek closer post-Brexit ties with Brussels if they defeat Rishi Sunak's Conservatives.
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He argues closer EU-UK relations makes economic and foreign policy sense as they remain important trading partners and allies.
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Despite Benn's comments, Starmer has avoided reopening the Brexit debate, ruling out rejoining the single market or customs union.
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Some Tory MPs accuse Starmer of threatening UK sovereignty over concerns about diverging from EU rules, which he denies wanting to be a "rule-taker" from Brussels.