Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has received praise after strong performances against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the House of Commons. But she’s only one member of the Shadow Cabinet, and Tories have some other big hitters too. The big question is whether they are impressing voters – which they’ll need to do, if Conservatives have any chance of returning to power soon.
One of the biggest issues for the country at the moment is the future of our relationship with the EU. Labour is pursing its “reset” of Brexit, which means forging closer links with Brussels. Sir Keir is doubling down on this policy as relations with the US under Donald Trump‘s leadership become more strained. But Conservatives have always insisted that they can be trusted to protect Brexit.
What do you think? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section. Can’t see the poll below? Click here
In the latest sign that Labour is rowing back on Brexit, Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said Britain would be “crazy” not to engage long term with the prospect of joining a customs union with the EU. He dismissed suggestions that Sir Keir Starmer had lost control of his Cabinet after two senior ministers indicated their support for the move, which the Prime Minister has repeatedly ruled out.
But Mr Kyle said a “gentle debate” was needed on the “best opportunities” for the economy post-Brexit, a day after Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted the arrangement was off the cards.
In an interview with CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, it was put to Mr Kyle that Sir Keir did not have a “grip” on his Cabinet amid apparent divisions over the issue.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “When it comes to the customs union, you know, we need to be having these conversations as a country about where is the best anchor, what is the best opportunities for Britain’s economy post-Brexit.
“Now, of course, it would be crazy not to engage with the prospect of a customs union.”
It comes after Deputy Prime Minister Mr Lammy highlighted how membership of the customs union had boosted growth in other countries like Turkey.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who last year denied claims he was plotting to unseat the Prime Minister, also previously said the arrangement had large economic benefits, in remarks that were seen as a direct challenge to Sir Keir.
The Prime Minister has insisted the move is among the “red lines” the Government will not cross post-Brexit but has suggested the UK is ready to align more closely with the EU on the single market if it would be in the national interest.
The remarks earlier this month prompted the Tories to accuse Sir Keir of moving towards “surrendering our freedom” to appease his Labour backbenchers and trying to “undo” Brexit.
The Liberal Democrats, who have long called for the UK to rejoin a customs union with the bloc, said on Wednesday the Government of was “all over the place” on the issue and said it should “stand up to Trump”.