Starmer: “the fact that the government was even willing to consider no deal, during a global pandemic was deeply irresponsible.”
Starmer says a “better deal could have been negotiated” and this is a “thin deal”
But he says the question is now no deal or a deal
Sounds like he’s going to whip for it
But he says the question is now no deal or a deal
Sounds like he’s going to whip for it
Starmer: “there are some who argue that Labour should be neutral and should abstain. I do not agree. Leadership is about taking decisions in the national interest...this is the deal Labour will inherit in 2024. It’s something Labour will build on.”
Starmer confirms that when the deal comes before Parliament “Labour will accept it and vote for it. But let me be absolutely clear, up against no deal, we will vote for it. But the responsibility for it is yours.”
Starmer trying to strike a delicate balance. Being seen to accept Brexit, whilst not having to own its consequences and opinion in his own party. Doubtless there will be a few resignations from the front bench.
Think it’s possible had there not been the abstentions over the tiers and so on Starmer may have taken a different course but suspect they’re sensitive to this abstention line of attack we’ve seen lately and want to head it off.
One consequence of Labour voting for is that it makes SNP and Lib Dems more likely to vote against it (already quite likely). No jeopardy of no deal, clear remnants of hardcore remain support to be won, insofar as it matters now.
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