Reform UK’s chairman has delivered a nine-word warning over Sir Keir Starmer’s Brexit talks in Brussels. The Prime Minister has met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other senior EU officials this week where Starmer expressed he is “determined to put Brexit years behind us.”
Zia Yusuf has since lashed out at the PM’s comment, adding: “Sadly he is a staunch remainer, and that shows.”
He added: “He is one of the many Westminster Elite’s who have been actively working to subvert the will of the British people.
Reform UK’s chairman added that the Prime Minister needs to consider the wants of the British people: “We cannot continue to put the rights of foreign citizens above the rights of British citizens.”
The UK voted to leave the EU back in 2016, with 52% of the country voting in favour of it. Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, was a prominent figure in the successful campaign for Brexit.
Following this, the Brexit Party was launched, later rebranding in 2021 to Reform UK. The party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf, believes the Prime Minister is now defying what the people voted for.
Ahead of the meeting, the prime minister said: “The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important – with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.
“We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.
“Better cooperation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve – securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.”
The prime minister vowed to “reset” relations during his trip to Brussels with Europe following tensions between the previous Conservative government and the EU. However, Starmer has ruled out a return to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement.
Sir Keir Starmer, who voted in the 2016 referendum to remain in the EU,has also already visited Berlin, Paris, Rome and Dublin since the election to lay the groundwork for a reset in ties.
Reminients of Starmer’s anti-Brexit may still be lingering, as his past shows him campaining harder than many in his party to try to reverse the result of 2016’s Brexit referendum.