Why UK PM Who Opposed Rejoining the EU Refused to Answer When Asked Five Times, "Do You Still Stand by That?"

The Observer Asks Starmer in Interview:
"Do You Still Oppose Rejoining the EU?"
Prime Minister Avoids Answer Despite Being Asked Five Times

Amid remarks from some members of the UK's ruling Labour Party suggesting a push for rejoining the European Union (EU) or forming a customs union, reports have emerged that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reversed his previous opposition to rejoining the EU. According to Yonhap News Agency, the British weekly newspaper The Observer made this claim in an interview article with Prime Minister Starmer published on December 7 (local time).

There have been reports that Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has reversed his previous opposition to rejoining the European Union. Reuters Yonhap News

Rachel Sylvester, the political editor who interviewed the Prime Minister, wrote in the article, "I asked Prime Minister Starmer five times whether, as he said before last year's election, he still believes that the UK will not rejoin the EU in his lifetime," adding, "It was notable that he did not repeat that claim."

She explained, "Prime Minister Starmer avoided answering the question," and noted that his closest response was, "We have stopped discussing whether we should go back and scrutinize Brexit."

Regarding the argument that the UK should form a customs union with the EU to promote economic growth, Starmer said, "I am discussing with all our EU partners how we can become closer and we are making real progress," but added, "They are not asking us to join a customs union."

The British daily The Telegraph analyzed, "(Prime Minister Starmer's latest remarks come) as calls from ministers and senior Labour Party officials for the UK to reverse Brexit and rejoin the EU continue to mount."

Deputy Prime Minister David Lamy said in an interview with the "News Agents" podcast on the 4th (local time) that when asked if he hopes for a customs union with the EU, "It is not our policy at the moment," but added, "It is clear that countries like Turkey are benefiting and growing through the customs union." Reuters Yonhap News

Previously, Deputy Prime Minister David Lamy said in an interview with the "News Agents" podcast on the 4th (local time) that when asked if he hopes for a customs union with the EU, "It is not our policy at the moment," but added, "It is clear that countries like Turkey are benefiting and growing through the customs union." This remark sparked speculation that the Labour government might be seeking to rejoin the EU or establish a customs union. In response, on the 5th, Prime Minister Starmer clarified, "As promised in last year's election, we will deepen our ties with the EU, but we will not form a customs union, rejoin the single market, or restore freedom of movement."

Nevertheless, Prime Minister Starmer's latest comments are expected to keep the debate over the UK's potential rejoining of the EU or forming a customs union ongoing. According to a poll conducted last year by the polling firm YouGov, which surveyed about 2,000 British adults, 59% said they would support rejoining the EU if a national referendum were held.