A senior Labour figure has dismissed the idea of rejoining the EU as “fantasy” but said the party will set out how it will change the relationship with bloc before the next election.
Lisa Nandy’s warning that Labour was heading for a backlash from Leave voters in its former heartlands at the last election proved accurate when it suffered its worst election defeat since 1935 three years ago.
Today, the shadow levelling-up secretary dismisses those like Labour mayor Sadiq Khan who have called for the UK to rejoin the EU’s single market as pushing a “fantasy” that “won’t take the country forward”.
She denies, however, that Brexit is electorally “toxic” for Labour and promises it will set out how it will achieve a closer, more productive relationship with its single biggest trading partner before the next poll.
Sir Keir Starmer initially made Nandy shadow foreign secretary before handing her the job of opposing levelling-up secretary Michael Gove. Technically, it was a demotion, but that’s not how he sold it to his former leadership rival.
“[Starmer] said he wanted someone to go toe-to-toe with one of their biggest beasts and show that we are serious people who have a serious approach to government,” she tells i.
Gove and Nandy have since become one of Westminster’s more intriguing bouts. Their Commons dust-ups have more than a flavour of professional wrestling – the real fighting may well be between each and their respective leaderships.
On the critical issue of how much power to give away to local leaders – including on keeping revenues from taxes raised in their area – it is probable that they agree with each other more than with many in their own party.
Nandy insists that reports that Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, is blocking her plans are wide of the mark, however. “[Reeves] certainly hasn’t blocked anything we want to do. There’s an obvious need for investment and we’re all acutely aware of that – we’ve got a housing crisis in this country.
“She and I are of the view that we spend far too much money on housing benefit, particularly housing benefit that subsidizes poor quality housing in the private rented sector, and far too little on house building.”
Unsurprisingly, she insists there are profound differences between Labour’s approach and the government’s.
“They call it levelling-up; we call it rebuilding Britain. Getting every part of the country contributing to the country’s economic success, not just as recipients of growth, but able to make an active contribution to that growth, which is what’s been missing for quite some time.”
Nandy’s big idea is that people need to feel much more ownership of the decisions that affect them, and politics won’t work properly until they do. But what if people want to set up new grammar schools (something Labour opposes) or block desperately needed new housing in their area? Isn’t everyone in favour of so-called localism right up to the moment the locals do the ‘wrong’ thing?
“I think that’s a really dim view of the way people are… People want this country to do well, they want the communities to succeed, but they want a say in what those decisions are. And they want to be able to shape the future of their families, their communities and their country.
“And for me that is at the heart of levelling up. That’s not in opposition to levelling up. The point is that if you hand decision-making to people who have a stake in the outcome and skin in the game, they will make good decisions, and decisions that last.”
In her new book, All In: How We Build a Country That Works, she argues that the biggest decision for a generation – to leave the EU – was rooted in people’s frustration at being unable to influence things that affected them.
But pressure is growing on Labour to say more about their promise to improve the deal struck by Boris Johnson three years ago as polls show a growing number believe that decision was a mistake.
She dismisses those that want the party to commit to rejoining the bloc’s single market as a “fantasy” that “won’t take the country forward”.
Nandy acknowledges, however, that the party will have to give voters a clearer idea of its objectives, which she says will include aligning standards with the EU to improve access to its markets.
She points out Labour has already said it would seek to align veterinary standards to ease the problems Brexit has created in Northern Ireland as well as a move to agree a new defence and security pact with the EU. Pressed on what else it might spell out, she says: “I think there’s a strong case for [something] around universities we want to see greater collaboration.”
Having been hammered for seeming to ‘betray Brexit’ last time, Starmer is understandably extremely cautious, however. “Keir often says to the shadow cabinet [that] you need to treat these polls as if you are five points behind, not 20 points ahead, and I think that’s absolutely right.”
We do need to improve the current Brexit arrangement to that of a closer relationship, mimicking single market access, that’s just an objective economic fact at this point. It’ll become a lot less toxic if and when the Tories are decimated after the next election.
Labour are all out on trying to float about various stances still on Brexit aren’t they? I voted remain, now is not the time to talk about Brexit, let’s fix our broken electoral system and our poverty issues then get back to the argument with no winners.
It might not happen any time soon but the benefits of joining the EU can’t be ignored forever.
>A senior Labour figure has dismissed the idea of rejoining the EU as “fantasy” but said the party will set out how it will change the relationship with bloc before the next election.
OK.
>
Today, the shadow levelling-up secretary dismisses those like Labour mayor Sadiq Khan who have called for the UK to rejoin the EU’s single market as pushing a “fantasy” that “won’t take the country forward”.
Stupid comment. Nandy appears not to realise that joining the SM is not the same as joining the EU and would actually be changing the UK’s relationship with the EU. Of course Brexit fanatics don’t know that either so Nandy is in tune with that demographic anyway.
​
>She denies, however, that Brexit is electorally “toxic” for Labour and promises it will set out how it will achieve a closer, more productive relationship with its single biggest trading partner before the next poll.
Labour is lost. The leadership hasn’t a clue how to deal with the UK’s problems and is stuck with soundbites dressed up as policy.
It’s not up to us if we rejoin, it’s up to the rest of Europe who I suspect may have issues.
In theory, the UK could, COULD, become better outside the EU, but for that to happen, we would be entertaining greater fantasies than what Nandy is talking about. What could the UK propose to make being outside EU better?:
1. Designate more land for agricultural use. Food security a big issue. We import 46%.
2. Invest heavily in renewable energy sources in this country.
3. Heavily tax those with the broadest soldiers to fund NHS properly and make it so that it is better than healthcare systems in the EU.
4. Introduce similar job protection rights.
5. Fully accountable government that is visible and answerable always to the electorate. GE every 2 years without fail.
Are they going to do that? Are they hell.
Brexit was a bad idea that turned into a shitshow.
But, it’s been done, there’s no simple reversing of the decision, even if 99% of the population wanted to, the EU wouldn’t just say “sure, come on back! Exactly the same terms as before!”
It’s flogging a dead horse, and while I think we should rejoin, it’s not a simple matter unfortunately.
So is the notion that I’d vote for you quislings until that changes. Only thing that would make me change my mind is Labour putting unconditional support for proportional representation on their manifest.
Would a reverse Brexit not be a Brentry😘
All this commentary needs to be taken into context of Labour swing voter they are primarily targeting which is :
– Middle-aged
– Home Owner
– Non-Degree educated
– (Most likely) Brexit voter
Lots seem to be forgetting Nandy represents a town that voted 63.9% leave. Towns like Wigan are Labour’s bread and butter and they need them.
Frankly the idea that leaders will do anything they say they will do is ‘fantasy’.
I’d say it’s far more of a fantasy that Labour are peddling that they can make a success of Brexit.
When are both major parties going to stop pandering to the single issue Brexit voters? Remainers have been ignored for over 6 years and we’re even in a clear majority now.
We’ll be told that it is not the time, Labour need to win the next election. However will things change if they do win, or will they continue to pander to the Mail and Sun in preparation for the next election?
So we are fucked, and nothing can be done? Especially not the obvious?
Long story short, it is very possible but this time under different Ts n Cs, all previous exclusions seem not negotiable anymore, so Labour management does not want to feel first blowbacks during negotiations ?
Always amazed how many Labour bigwigs still prop up a delusion manufactured by liars. Time to start looking after the interests of your supporters, not to keep trotting out the same perversions of the truth.
A fantasy at the moment. They are trying to sway the voters who wanted Brexit. Once they win the next election, maybe then they can start looking at our relationship with Europe.
At least they have a stance on it now, unlike before 2019 where the stance was so wavy.
I refuse to vote for a Brexit supporting party.
The next election is going to be quite interesting.
Fck labour
Fck tories
Fck reform “were the brexit” party
“Yes, yes we know Brexit was a fucking disaster but we cannot reverse it because it benefits our donors.”
If Labour even mentions anything negative about Brexit the same press barons who drove the anti-EU leave messaging will crucify them and we’ll be stuck with the tories until we’re sitting on a pile of ashes and bones.
Ahh Lisa Nandy, one of the most Tory Labour MPs in history. Absolutely detest that self serving horror show of a human being.
The only way it will be seen as legitimate is if Labour are forced to do it because of popular opinion.
Won’t be getting my vote then as things stand.
When Labour have decided to stop pandering to the cave dwellers then perhaps I’ll consider them.
And I say that as someone who has recently rejoined the party.
More fucking lies. We need Europe and Europe needs us. Fucktards.
You don’t have to rejoin the EU proper to start fixing this mess.
We could go back to soft Brexit as a starter. Ease the old and racists in. Yea, I’m generalising. So what. Anybody who had a sensible reason for voting leave and long since come to their senses.
Get back into the single market and accept the free movement of people. Lose all the border checks (they aren’t happening anyway), open trade back up.
The racists will just need to get used to hopefully seeing a few more foreigners coming to work and spend money.
This isn’t hard to understand. Brexit still happened. We don’t have a star on their flag. We just get closer to them again.
It’s like labour don’t realise that they tabled a terrible candidate – and it wasn’t their stance on brexit that lost them the election. Now they are too scared to even try put forward another referendum on brexit
Massive Lexiteer is a Lexiteer what a surprise. Good thing brexit has delivered us into a socialist utopia and not proved them a bunch of morons who acted as attack dogs for the right wing.
Actually it’s a very formalised process, called joining the EU.
Lost of countries have done it and will continue to do so, which oddly enough Britain could have vetoed if they didn’t leave.
I seriously think the election after the next will be fought and won on rejoining the EU.
isnt this a known? why would I think a vote for a Labour is a vote to try and undo the Tory Brexit. Starmar has been more than clear about that.
Can put to bed too the fantasy that Brexit would ‘settle’ the UK’s relationship with Europe
NO ONE IS SAYING GOING BACK! … The single market isn’t going back into the EU!
GET IT SORTED!
There’s no need to rejoin the EU, and have a say in how it’s run etc. However, there is a need to join the SM and CU which is the only way to fix the Northern Ireland issues.
Has the UK started inspecting goods entering from the EU yet? How’s the number of illegal cross channel arrivals going? “Securing our borders” haha
Nandy doesn’t give a fuck about Brexit-caused problems because she’s an MP, and she will do fine, just like Farage, collecting his pension.
It’s too late. It’s fucked. I was anti brexit but there’s no putting the steaming pile of shit this country created back inside.
We lost good concessions. The EU aren’t just going to let us rejoin with the old rules. We literally threw so much away it’s unreal. No way the UK will vote rejoin and take the EURO or free movement. This was all fucking argued pre referendum.
36 comments
A senior Labour figure has dismissed the idea of rejoining the EU as “fantasy” but said the party will set out how it will change the relationship with bloc before the next election.
Lisa Nandy’s warning that Labour was heading for a backlash from Leave voters in its former heartlands at the last election proved accurate when it suffered its worst election defeat since 1935 three years ago.
Today, the shadow levelling-up secretary dismisses those like Labour mayor Sadiq Khan who have called for the UK to rejoin the EU’s single market as pushing a “fantasy” that “won’t take the country forward”.
She denies, however, that Brexit is electorally “toxic” for Labour and promises it will set out how it will achieve a closer, more productive relationship with its single biggest trading partner before the next poll.
Sir Keir Starmer initially made Nandy shadow foreign secretary before handing her the job of opposing levelling-up secretary Michael Gove. Technically, it was a demotion, but that’s not how he sold it to his former leadership rival.
“[Starmer] said he wanted someone to go toe-to-toe with one of their biggest beasts and show that we are serious people who have a serious approach to government,” she tells i.
Gove and Nandy have since become one of Westminster’s more intriguing bouts. Their Commons dust-ups have more than a flavour of professional wrestling – the real fighting may well be between each and their respective leaderships.
On the critical issue of how much power to give away to local leaders – including on keeping revenues from taxes raised in their area – it is probable that they agree with each other more than with many in their own party.
Nandy insists that reports that Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, is blocking her plans are wide of the mark, however. “[Reeves] certainly hasn’t blocked anything we want to do. There’s an obvious need for investment and we’re all acutely aware of that – we’ve got a housing crisis in this country.
“She and I are of the view that we spend far too much money on housing benefit, particularly housing benefit that subsidizes poor quality housing in the private rented sector, and far too little on house building.”
Unsurprisingly, she insists there are profound differences between Labour’s approach and the government’s.
“They call it levelling-up; we call it rebuilding Britain. Getting every part of the country contributing to the country’s economic success, not just as recipients of growth, but able to make an active contribution to that growth, which is what’s been missing for quite some time.”
Nandy’s big idea is that people need to feel much more ownership of the decisions that affect them, and politics won’t work properly until they do. But what if people want to set up new grammar schools (something Labour opposes) or block desperately needed new housing in their area? Isn’t everyone in favour of so-called localism right up to the moment the locals do the ‘wrong’ thing?
“I think that’s a really dim view of the way people are… People want this country to do well, they want the communities to succeed, but they want a say in what those decisions are. And they want to be able to shape the future of their families, their communities and their country.
“And for me that is at the heart of levelling up. That’s not in opposition to levelling up. The point is that if you hand decision-making to people who have a stake in the outcome and skin in the game, they will make good decisions, and decisions that last.”
In her new book, All In: How We Build a Country That Works, she argues that the biggest decision for a generation – to leave the EU – was rooted in people’s frustration at being unable to influence things that affected them.
But pressure is growing on Labour to say more about their promise to improve the deal struck by Boris Johnson three years ago as polls show a growing number believe that decision was a mistake.
She dismisses those that want the party to commit to rejoining the bloc’s single market as a “fantasy” that “won’t take the country forward”.
Nandy acknowledges, however, that the party will have to give voters a clearer idea of its objectives, which she says will include aligning standards with the EU to improve access to its markets.
She points out Labour has already said it would seek to align veterinary standards to ease the problems Brexit has created in Northern Ireland as well as a move to agree a new defence and security pact with the EU. Pressed on what else it might spell out, she says: “I think there’s a strong case for [something] around universities we want to see greater collaboration.”
Having been hammered for seeming to ‘betray Brexit’ last time, Starmer is understandably extremely cautious, however. “Keir often says to the shadow cabinet [that] you need to treat these polls as if you are five points behind, not 20 points ahead, and I think that’s absolutely right.”
We do need to improve the current Brexit arrangement to that of a closer relationship, mimicking single market access, that’s just an objective economic fact at this point. It’ll become a lot less toxic if and when the Tories are decimated after the next election.
Labour are all out on trying to float about various stances still on Brexit aren’t they? I voted remain, now is not the time to talk about Brexit, let’s fix our broken electoral system and our poverty issues then get back to the argument with no winners.
It might not happen any time soon but the benefits of joining the EU can’t be ignored forever.
>A senior Labour figure has dismissed the idea of rejoining the EU as “fantasy” but said the party will set out how it will change the relationship with bloc before the next election.
OK.
>
Today, the shadow levelling-up secretary dismisses those like Labour mayor Sadiq Khan who have called for the UK to rejoin the EU’s single market as pushing a “fantasy” that “won’t take the country forward”.
Stupid comment. Nandy appears not to realise that joining the SM is not the same as joining the EU and would actually be changing the UK’s relationship with the EU. Of course Brexit fanatics don’t know that either so Nandy is in tune with that demographic anyway.
​
>She denies, however, that Brexit is electorally “toxic” for Labour and promises it will set out how it will achieve a closer, more productive relationship with its single biggest trading partner before the next poll.
Labour is lost. The leadership hasn’t a clue how to deal with the UK’s problems and is stuck with soundbites dressed up as policy.
It’s not up to us if we rejoin, it’s up to the rest of Europe who I suspect may have issues.
In theory, the UK could, COULD, become better outside the EU, but for that to happen, we would be entertaining greater fantasies than what Nandy is talking about. What could the UK propose to make being outside EU better?:
1. Designate more land for agricultural use. Food security a big issue. We import 46%.
2. Invest heavily in renewable energy sources in this country.
3. Heavily tax those with the broadest soldiers to fund NHS properly and make it so that it is better than healthcare systems in the EU.
4. Introduce similar job protection rights.
5. Fully accountable government that is visible and answerable always to the electorate. GE every 2 years without fail.
Are they going to do that? Are they hell.
Brexit was a bad idea that turned into a shitshow.
But, it’s been done, there’s no simple reversing of the decision, even if 99% of the population wanted to, the EU wouldn’t just say “sure, come on back! Exactly the same terms as before!”
It’s flogging a dead horse, and while I think we should rejoin, it’s not a simple matter unfortunately.
So is the notion that I’d vote for you quislings until that changes. Only thing that would make me change my mind is Labour putting unconditional support for proportional representation on their manifest.
Would a reverse Brexit not be a Brentry😘
All this commentary needs to be taken into context of Labour swing voter they are primarily targeting which is :
– Middle-aged
– Home Owner
– Non-Degree educated
– (Most likely) Brexit voter
Lots seem to be forgetting Nandy represents a town that voted 63.9% leave. Towns like Wigan are Labour’s bread and butter and they need them.
Frankly the idea that leaders will do anything they say they will do is ‘fantasy’.
I’d say it’s far more of a fantasy that Labour are peddling that they can make a success of Brexit.
When are both major parties going to stop pandering to the single issue Brexit voters? Remainers have been ignored for over 6 years and we’re even in a clear majority now.
We’ll be told that it is not the time, Labour need to win the next election. However will things change if they do win, or will they continue to pander to the Mail and Sun in preparation for the next election?
So we are fucked, and nothing can be done? Especially not the obvious?
Long story short, it is very possible but this time under different Ts n Cs, all previous exclusions seem not negotiable anymore, so Labour management does not want to feel first blowbacks during negotiations ?
Always amazed how many Labour bigwigs still prop up a delusion manufactured by liars. Time to start looking after the interests of your supporters, not to keep trotting out the same perversions of the truth.
A fantasy at the moment. They are trying to sway the voters who wanted Brexit. Once they win the next election, maybe then they can start looking at our relationship with Europe.
At least they have a stance on it now, unlike before 2019 where the stance was so wavy.
I refuse to vote for a Brexit supporting party.
The next election is going to be quite interesting.
Fck labour
Fck tories
Fck reform “were the brexit” party
“Yes, yes we know Brexit was a fucking disaster but we cannot reverse it because it benefits our donors.”
If Labour even mentions anything negative about Brexit the same press barons who drove the anti-EU leave messaging will crucify them and we’ll be stuck with the tories until we’re sitting on a pile of ashes and bones.
Ahh Lisa Nandy, one of the most Tory Labour MPs in history. Absolutely detest that self serving horror show of a human being.
The only way it will be seen as legitimate is if Labour are forced to do it because of popular opinion.
Won’t be getting my vote then as things stand.
When Labour have decided to stop pandering to the cave dwellers then perhaps I’ll consider them.
And I say that as someone who has recently rejoined the party.
More fucking lies. We need Europe and Europe needs us. Fucktards.
You don’t have to rejoin the EU proper to start fixing this mess.
We could go back to soft Brexit as a starter. Ease the old and racists in. Yea, I’m generalising. So what. Anybody who had a sensible reason for voting leave and long since come to their senses.
Get back into the single market and accept the free movement of people. Lose all the border checks (they aren’t happening anyway), open trade back up.
The racists will just need to get used to hopefully seeing a few more foreigners coming to work and spend money.
This isn’t hard to understand. Brexit still happened. We don’t have a star on their flag. We just get closer to them again.
It’s like labour don’t realise that they tabled a terrible candidate – and it wasn’t their stance on brexit that lost them the election. Now they are too scared to even try put forward another referendum on brexit
Massive Lexiteer is a Lexiteer what a surprise. Good thing brexit has delivered us into a socialist utopia and not proved them a bunch of morons who acted as attack dogs for the right wing.
Actually it’s a very formalised process, called joining the EU.
Lost of countries have done it and will continue to do so, which oddly enough Britain could have vetoed if they didn’t leave.
I seriously think the election after the next will be fought and won on rejoining the EU.
isnt this a known? why would I think a vote for a Labour is a vote to try and undo the Tory Brexit. Starmar has been more than clear about that.
Can put to bed too the fantasy that Brexit would ‘settle’ the UK’s relationship with Europe
NO ONE IS SAYING GOING BACK! … The single market isn’t going back into the EU!
GET IT SORTED!
There’s no need to rejoin the EU, and have a say in how it’s run etc. However, there is a need to join the SM and CU which is the only way to fix the Northern Ireland issues.
Has the UK started inspecting goods entering from the EU yet? How’s the number of illegal cross channel arrivals going? “Securing our borders” haha
Nandy doesn’t give a fuck about Brexit-caused problems because she’s an MP, and she will do fine, just like Farage, collecting his pension.
It’s too late. It’s fucked. I was anti brexit but there’s no putting the steaming pile of shit this country created back inside.
We lost good concessions. The EU aren’t just going to let us rejoin with the old rules. We literally threw so much away it’s unreal. No way the UK will vote rejoin and take the EURO or free movement. This was all fucking argued pre referendum.