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The return of the European Question: what next for Britain-EU relations?
As Starmer hints at closer ties, MARTIN HALL warns of the dangers of creeping alignment and calls for a renewed socialist case for independence from Brussels, especially over the EU’s constraints on economic planning
European Union flags wave in the wind as pedestrians walk by EU headquarters in Brussels, on Sept. 20, 2023

THE general election in July was the first since 2010 at which Britain’s relationship with the European Union was not central to the debates.

That being said, the issue is far from put to bed. From regular lobbying in the Financial Times and other liberal media outlets, through to the review of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement scheduled for 2025, and the establishment of the European Political Community in 2022, Britain’s ruling class is and will be pushing for greater integration.

Given the architect of Labour’s calamitous Brexit policy from the 2019 general election is now the prime minister, this slide towards increased alignment will only increase in speed.

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