The Labour Party's approach to Brexit has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate over the past few years, revealing a series of contradictory statements that have left many questioning the party's true stance on one of the most critical issues facing the UK.

Back in 2018, the Labour Party's Brexit plans appeared to be in disarray. Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary at the time, suggested that the UK should remain in the Customs Union and attempt to negotiate a new form of single market membership. This stance was seen as an attempt to strike a balance between leaving the EU and retaining close economic ties with the bloc.

Starmer was clear that Britain would leave the EU, dismissing the idea of another referendum as "not viable." However, he also emphasized that the option of retaining UK membership of the EU Customs Union "should be left on the table." This position seemingly opened the door to a softer Brexit, aiming to minimize economic disruption.

Fast forward to 2022, and the Labour Party's position on Brexit had taken a significant turn. Now, Starmer categorically ruled out rejoining the EU, single market, or customs union. He stated that reopening the Brexit debate would bring "turmoil" and emphasized that these options were never part of his plan as leader.

“We’re not rejoining the EU, we’re not rejoining the single market or the customs union,” Starmer told reporters. “That isn’t our plan. It never has been. I’ve never said that as leader of the Labour party, and it’s not in our manifesto.”

This stark shift from advocating for close ties with the EU to ruling out such options entirely has been viewed by many as a significant contradiction. It reflects the challenges and pressures faced by the Labour Party as it navigates the complex and often contentious landscape of Brexit politics.

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1st Video: Keir Starmer says Labour 'will back EU customs union' after Brexit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ynhr7jZK50

2nd Video: 'We have to make Brexit work': Starmer confirms Labour would not consider single market - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDrHa-aoxIw&t=9s

3. Reopening Brexit debate would bring ‘turmoil’, says Keir Starmer - https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/22/brexit-keir-starmer-eu