Leave support is falling. That’s an opportunity the PM should seize before pro-Europe challengers for the Labour leadership do
Seven years ago, it took just eight words to electrify the Labour conference and to show the party was falling out of love with its then leader. Although not exactly the kind of soaring oratory that gets reproduced on T-shirts, the words were greeted with wild cheering as most of the hall rose in spontaneous acclamation.
As the commotion died down, Keir Starmer, then Brexit spokesman, stood at the podium, blinking in surprise. He wasn’t really accustomed to his speeches having such an effect. All he had said was: “Nobody is ruling out remain as an option.” But context is everything.
Tom Baldwin is the author of Keir Starmer, The Biography
Some years ago I stood in Parliament Square and listened to Keir Starmer demand a second referendum. I applauded him.
Nothing that has happened since then has changed my mind but I am saddened that Sir Keir seems to be somewhat lukewarm in his enthusiasm for rejoining. I know we won’t get such a good “deal” as we had when we were members but rejoining is still the right thing to do – for all our sakes.
My daughter, son-in-law, 5 grandchildren live in Spain. All of them who were still, at that time, entitled to vote in the referendum voted Remain. None of them could understand why the hate-filled, racist, leave campaign won.
I want Sir Keir’s government to show courage. I want them to enter into discussions with EU countries to work swiftly towards a way forward where we can be a full member of the EU.
I’m 79 (80 in January) and woudl like this to happen in my life time so, please, get a move on!