Political commentator and broadcaster Duncan Barkes has warned that Sir Keir Starmer’s inclination to forge closer ties with the European Union could provide a significant boost to Reform UK and Nigel Farage’s political ambitions.
Speaking to GB News, Barkes suggested that any moves by Labour to align more closely with the EU could create fresh opportunities for Reform UK to gain political traction.
The European Union is set to demand that Keir Starmer surrender Britain’s fishing rights in a bid to secure a post-Brexit trade deal.
Brussels is believed to be seeking a deal whereby the UK must accept rulings made by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to improve working relationships between the UK and the economic bloc.
Nigel Farage could use Starmer’s latest demands from the EU as a ‘campaigning tool’, Barke claims
Barkes expressed direct concerns about the Labour leader’s stance, telling GB News: “You’re dealing with a man who, in my view, Sir Keir Starmer, I think will have a bias towards doing whatever he can to get us closer to the European Union again.”
He also questioned Starmer’s leadership capabilities, adding: “I also don’t think he’s the strongest of leaders.”
The political commentator suggested these negotiations mark “the beginning of horse-trading,” highlighting the delicate nature of potential future EU relations under a Labour Government.
Reflecting on Brexit’s legacy, Barkes expressed disappointment in its implementation, stating: “I wanted Brexit to work, I believe any country, if it wants to be its own independent country, should be.”
Brussels is set to demand Keir Starmer surrender Britain’s fishing rights in bid to secure post-Brexit trade deal
PA
He pointed to a significant disconnect between the referendum’s mandate and its execution, telling GB News: “There was a mandate there, but the political class in this country let the people down.”
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“If people start to think that we’re moving closer towards the European Union, you can bet your bottom dollar, or euro, that what will happen is Farage leap on that and he’ll use it as a campaigning tool,” he told GB News.
The commentator highlighted the historical context, noting: “The Conservatives fought tooth and nail with each other over Brexit. Labour tried to stop Brexit.”
He suggested this political landscape creates an opportunity for Reform UK to “clear up” and capitalise on any perceived moves towards EU realignment.
Barkes concluded with a stark warning about the potential consequences of Labour’s EU strategy.
Duncan Barkes told GB News that Farage will ‘leap’ on the opportunity if Starmer accepts the EU’s demands
GB News
“Unless Starmer is really hard in these negotiations, you’re going to see Reform UK leap on that,” he cautioned.
A Government spokesman claimed Labour is “resetting its relationship with the EU” and wants to “strengthen cooperation, to make people safer and tackle barriers to trade, to help drive economic growth”.
They added: “We have been clear that there will be no return to the customs union, single market or freedom of movement. The UK government will always work to protect the interests of our fishers.”
