Senior Tory MP Warns PM About “Betrayal” of Brexit Voters
Sir Bernard Jenkin, a veteran MP from the Conservative benches, made a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the latest Commons sit‑down. He said the PM’s recent EU trade deal is a “betrayal” of the 17.5 million people who voted Leave.
The Heart‑of‑the‑Matter
Jenkin told the floor the following points:
- Leave was a clear win. The vote far outshined the 9.7 million who went Labour in the previous election.
- Euro‑regulation is back in play. The PM is now subject to EU rules again.
- Money is being sent back. Britain is starting to pay contributions to Brussels.
- Control is slipping. UK laws are ceded, and the borders are blurred.
In short, Jenkin warned that any messages Starmer sends will carry a “bitter political price”.
Starmer’s Response
Starmer got back on the record, pointing out that the Conservative party had already set a “red line” that the UK would not re‑join the EU, the single market, the customs union or the free‑mobility system. He claimed that, despite these barriers, he managed to strike a new deal.
“We told the EU we couldn’t get a better bargain with those red lines in place,” Starmer said. “We’ve just done it.”
Liberal Democrat’s Take‑away
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, insisted the deal was too shallow. He called for a custom‑made customs union and asked if the agreement was only the “first step” toward a stronger Europe partnership.
Starmer rejected this, saying a deeper dive would “kill the UK’s trade deals with other countries.”
Broader Message
Starmer emphasized that the new EU agreement, along with other deals with India and the US, signals that Britain is stepping back onto the world stage. The PM explained that the trade talks were built on simple principles — boosting jobs, keeping borders secure, and reducing costs. According to him, the answers to those questions are a resounding “yes”.
In a nutshell: The Tory MP’s stern warning, the PM’s defence, and the Liberal Democrat’s push for more ambitious ties underline a clear debate on what it means to be “post‑Brexit.”
