Starmer HAS to respect our decision to leave the EU, says Shadow Chancellor MEL STRIDE
Today's the day we are set to find out the details of Sir Keir Starmer 's 'reset' with the European Union. If his previous attempts at trade deals are anything to go by, Britain will be worse off at the end of the day than we are right now. Because when Labour negotiates, Britain loses.
Sir Keir is meeting European leaders with a simple choice: Defend and respect the UK's independence or begin unpicking Brexit, step by step.
Our great country voted to leave the European Union – a democratic decision that must be respected. A promise of a Britain where we could strike trade deals, forge our own way and be a rule maker, not a rule taker. Our prime minister should put the national interest first and uphold this.
But the early signs of this EU reset are worrying. And under Starmer's leadership, the UK has slipped backwards on the global stage. The India trade deal offered overseas workers tax breaks while British workers faced higher levies at home through Labour's reckless jobs tax. His talks with the US were rushed, and left us worse off than where we were in March.
And if today is anything like his trip to Albania, where that country's PM stood next to him and told the media he wasn't interested in the plans Starmer had travelled there to announce, it will be a bad day for Britain.
This is not how a country like the UK should conduct itself on the international stage – but that's what happens when you enter government with no plan.
Britain needs growth and jobs, yet Starmer has piled record taxes on businesses and unemployment is rising as a result because businesses, not the state, are the engine of job creation.
Last week's figures showed a 10 per cent increase in joblessness since Starmer took office. Job losses are more than just statistics – they are families struggling to make ends meet, food not being put on the table and people's livelihoods unfulfilled.
If Starmer is serious about easing friction for travellers, a simple e-gates agreement should be agreed. Instead, his ministers are pursuing a youth mobility scheme that could be simply a return to free movement by the back door. Ever more low-skill, low-wage immigration is the last thing we need.
And if so-called 'dynamic alignment' is Labour's plan, that means following EU rules without even having a say over what those rules are – that would be a betrayal of the Brexit vote, pure and simple.
We cannot afford to become a country that gives ground away quietly, piece by piece. But we have the world's worst negotiator in No 10. And countries around the world are queuing up to take advantage. Our Prime Minister must get a grip and, for once, stand up for Britain on the world stage.
But if his record is anything to go by, none of us should hold our breath.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
'God Save the King!': Victoria Starmer looks effortlessly chic in white summer dress as she joins PM Keir Starmer for Trooping the Colour
Victoria Starmer looked elegant in an all-white ensemble as she joined her husband Sir Keir at Trooping the Colour today. The prime minister's wife, 52, wore a midi length frock with a v-neck, short sleeves, and small buttons down the front. Lady Starmer paired her dress with a large fascinator, also in white, and coordinating heeled pumps. Her chestnut locks were worn loose, and she opted for a chic make-up look, with a fresh base, pink blush, and natural lip. She was photographed sitting next to her husband, 63, as they enjoyed the annual parade. And they were not the only attendees representing politics at the event: such is the importance of the parade that senior representatives from allied nations also attend. The PM posted today on X: 'Sending my best wishes to His Majesty The King today at Trooping the Colour. God Save The King.' Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old tradition that marks the Sovereign's official birthday. It dates back to the 17th century and is rooted in battlefield custom, when regimental flags, or 'colours,' were trooped in front of soldiers to ensure they could be recognised amid the smoke of combat. Last week a full-dress rehearsal, known as The Colonel's Review, took place serving as the final run-through before the King's official celebration. This year, the honour of trooping the Colour falls to the Coldstream Guards, who will officially present their regimental flag, known as the Colour, to King Charles. Following the Trooping ceremony, all eyes will be on the royal balcony to see who King Charles invites to wave to the crowds. King Charles and Queen Camilla will be front and centre on the balcony to watch the Red Arrows flypast, but it expected a host of senior royals will be alongside them. Prince William, 42, is expected to be joined by the Princess of Wales, 43 and their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. Princess Anne will feature with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, 70. Prince Edward, 61, - who like Anne will be fresh from his part in the procession - is expected on the balcony with his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, 60 They are likely to be joined by their daughter Lady Louise, 21. Their son James, the Earl of Wessex, 17, did not make an appearance last year and may not attend the ceremony this time around either. The Duke of Kent, 89, will likely also be among the royals on the balcony, with the Duke of Gloucester, 80, and his 78-year-old wife Birgitte, the Duchess. As expected, Prince Harry, 40, and his wife Meghan Markle, 43, are not attending this year's celebrations. Having chosen to walk away from being working royals, they have not been present at Trooping the Colour since 2019. The other notable absentee will be Prince Andrew, 65, who remains exiled from public royal events amid the fallout from his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and the claims made by late accuser Virginia Giuffre. Andrew's daughters Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 35, are not expected to be there either amid Charles' desire for a slimmed-down monarchy and to keep the focus on working royals. Members of the royal family are expected to watch the flypast - including the RAF Red Arrows and a range of planes and helicopters - from the balcony. In previous years it has been a moment where the royal children shine - with little Prince Louis delighting fans last year as pretended to fly one of the planes, appearing to screw up his face as he mimicked the engine's deafening noise. The route for the flypast has not been officially confirmed, but the Military Air Shows has revealed an air restrictions map which shows the expected official route. Proposed restrictions are in the vicinity of the North Sea, East Anglia, Essex and London. Its expected the flypast will go over Buckingham Palace at 1pm. Held traditionally on the second Saturday in June, regardless of the Sovereign's actual date of birth, the celebrations have marked the monarch's official birthday since the mid-1700s. Queen Elizabeth attended all but two of her Trooping the Colours, missing it in 1955 when a national rail strike resulted in the event being cancelled and in 2020 due to lockdown restrictions. The parade is open to members of the public through an online ballot with ticketing ranging from £10 to £30 and is broadcast live on the BBC. What is Trooping the Colour? The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for more than 260 years. Over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark the Sovereign's official birthday. The streets are lined with crowds waving flags as the parade moves from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade, alongside Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. The display closes with an RAF fly-past, watched by Members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace balcony. Once the Sovereign has arrived at Horse Guard's Parade in Whitehall, they are greeted by a Royal salute and carry out an inspection of the troops, who are fully trained and operational soldiers wearing the ceremonial uniform of red tunics and bearskin hats. After the military bands have performed, the escorted Regimental Colour, or flag, is processed down the ranks of soldiers. Over one hundred words of command are used by the Officer in Command of the Parade to direct the several hundred soldiers. Once the Foot Guards have marched past the Sovereign, they ride back to Buckingham Palace at the head of the soldiers, before taking the salute again at the Palace from a dais. The Sovereign is then joined by other Members of the Royal Family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force. A 41-gun salute is also fired in Green Park to mark the occasion.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Man Utd's new £65m-rated striker transfer target revealed after Viktor Gyokeres ‘REJECTS Old Trafford transfer'
MANCHESTER UNITED have a new striker target after being rejected by Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting star was United's No1 priority this summer but the deal is dead following talks this week. 2 Gyokeres was not happy with the Red Devils' offer and now wants to move to Arsenal instead. United are still in need of a striker and will now turn their attention to Victor Osimhen. The in-demand striker scored 32 goals in 37 games on loan at Galatasaray last season, and the Turkish side are keen to make his stay permanent. So far, though, no deal has been agreed, with Osimhen seemingly ready to consider all his options - including a potential move to the Premier League. Saudi Arabian clubs are interested and would be able to afford his £500,000-a-week wage demands. That could prove a stumbling bloke for United however, and player sales would have to happen to get a deal for Osimhen over the line. It is understood the Nigerian could be available for £65million. And he was said to be open to a move to Old Trafford. United are also in danger of missing out on another top target - Bryan Mbeumo. The winger was said to have decided on moving to United but that was before Tottenham appointed Thomas Frank. Spurs have held initial talks with Brentford and could hijack United's £60m move for the Cameroonian.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
How Labour's winter fuel fiasco paves the way for means-testing the state pension
As Rachel Reeves announced an about-turn on her winter fuel policy this week, she opened a whole new can of worms for pensioners. The Chancellor's decision to return the payments to those with an income of under £35,000 has created a complicated means-test and reignited calls from some commentators to claw back other benefits, such as the state pension, from those deemed 'wealthy'. Means-testing the state pension system would be a radical move that no British chancellor has dared attempt before. But Labour is desperate for cash and has shown it is not afraid to anger older voters. Could Ms Reeves possibly get away with it? Introduced in 1909 and originally worth five shillings a week, the state pension is a cornerstone of the welfare state. Today, workers pay National Insurance contributions for 35 years to receive its full benefit. The full new state pension is £230.25 a week, while the old 'basic' pension – for those who reached state pension age before April 2016 – is £176.45 a week. However, the benefit has become increasingly unaffordable to administer. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts the country's spending on pensioners will reach £180bn by 2029. The idea of reserving the payment for those who need it most has therefore become increasingly attractive. Both Labour and the Tories pledged to keep the 'triple lock' that means pensions are increased each April by the highest of wage growth, inflation or 2.5pc. Means-testing could be one way to dramatically cut costs, without breaking that pledge. In January, Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, caused uproar when she said her party would 'look at means-testing' the state pension. Key Labour advisers, think tanks and academics have also voiced support for the plan. Means-testing would completely upend the system. But this week's winter fuel policy reversal could make it slightly easier. Under the latest changes, all pensioners will receive the winter fuel payment, worth up to £300 a year. However, those who earn more than £35,000 will be expected to return it to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). To administer the new system, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will tell HMRC who they've paid the winter fuel payment to. HMRC will then apply the income test to determine who will need to repay the money. Government departments have long shared data about taxpayers, including doing so specifically to pay or not pay a pensioner benefit, such as free TV licences. But is this Whitehall bureaucracy really a slow slide towards a means-tested state pension? Telegraph Money reader Jim Humphrey fears so. The 69-year-old, a part-time financial adviser from St Albans, is one of the estimated two million pensioners who will still not receive the winter fuel payment. This is because his income exceeds the £35,000 threshold. He is worried Labour is on a 'slippery slope' to means-testing the state pension. He said: 'I don't need the money, but it is a question of principle... I have paid tax for many, many years.' Other state benefits have been means-tested in recent years. Free TV licences for all over-75s were scrapped in August 2020 and restricted to those who qualify for pension credit. Last year's restriction of the winter fuel payment to those on pension credit was also a form of means-testing – as is the payment of pension credit to those on the lowest incomes. Campaigners and economists have also pushed for free prescriptions for the over-60s to be similarly restricted. Last October, Dr Kristian Niemietz, of the Institute for Economic Affairs think tank, said: 'Means-testing old-age benefits is a way to make fiscal savings while insulating the poorest from cuts.' Labour is also gearing up to ban over-60s from taking student loans from 2027, as it introduces a 'Lifetime Learning Entitlement'. Ben Ramanauskas, of think tank Policy Exchange, said: 'The Government's approach to cutting spending through means-testing is the right one. 'However, this alone will not significantly lower the cost of the UK's unsustainable welfare bill, improve public finances, or give younger taxpayers a fair deal.' Other countries already operate means-testing on their state pension payouts. In Canada, which operates a flat-rate benefit system, a maximum of $1,433 (£773.30) is paid each month, and is topped up for those on low incomes. In Chile, a pension is paid to those over 65, unless your family's wealth is deemed to be in the top 10pc of the population. Those with an income of less than $1,210,828 (£955.30) a month are eligible, whether they are still working or not. In Australia, the state pension – or 'age pension' – has no reference to how long a person has worked. Instead, it is granted as an age-based means-tested benefit. About a third of pensioners have their pension cut because they have other sources of income. Moving to an Australian-style system would be highly controversial, angering those who say if you have 'paid in' you should get the full amount irrespective of your income. Mike Ambery, of pension provider Standard Life, said: 'There would need to be a change in applying for state pension as well as the detail to replicate means-testing in other countries. The practicality and change to a universal system now would be operationally significant.' There would be other barriers to overcome. The Government could only make significant savings if people are able to generate big enough private pension savings. But despite the 'automatic enrolment' reforms that made workplace pensions compulsory, millions of people are on course for meagre retirement incomes. Research by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) found that the cost of all but the most basic retirement has increased over the past year. Two retirees running one small car, eating out weekly and taking a four-star foreign holiday each year would now need an income of almost £35,000 each before tax to retire comfortably, rising to £52,000 if they live alone. Meanwhile, anyone living alone on the state pension would even fall short of a basic retirement, which now requires an income of £13,400 a year, the PLSA said.
