Brexit: Labour to back EU trade deal in Commons, Keir Starmer says

Party will hold government to account for ‘thin’ trade agreement, says leader

Labour MPs will vote for Boris Johnson’s EU trade deal in next week’s vote in the House of Commons, leader Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

Starmer said that Johnson’s deal was “thin” and said he would hold the prime minister to account for any negative impact on the UK.

But he said that the only alternative choice now would be no-deal on 31 December, which he said would have “terrible consequences for our country”.

The announcement guarantees Mr Johnson victory in the House of Commons vote on the agreement next Wednesday, and enables Tory critics to rebel without fear that they might contribute to a government defeat.

Sir Keir had faced calls from senior shadow cabinet colleagues including shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds to whip Labour MPs to abstain, in order to ensure that the blame for any negative consequences of Brexit sits firmly with the Conservatives.

 He met the shadow cabinet on Thursday afternoon before announcing his decision in a virtual press conference.

Sir Keir said: “The deal is a thin agreement.

“It does not provide adequate protections for British manufacturing, our financial services, creative industries or workplace rights.“It is not the deal the government promised. Far from it.

“And there are serious questions about the Government’s preparedness for the new arrangements. Leaving everything to the last minute has made it even more difficult for businesses to be ready.

“A better deal could have been negotiated, but I accept that option has now gone, the chance for renegotiation is over.

“There are just two paths now left for our country - to move forward with a deal or without one.”

Sir Keir said that no-deal Brexit was “not an option”, because of its “devastating” consequences for jobs, business survival and national security.

The British people would “never forgive” Labour if it enabled such an outcome, he said.

“At a moment of such national significance, it is not credible for Labour to be on the side lines,” said Sir Keir.

“That is why I can say today that when this deal comes before parliament, Labour will accept it and vote for it.”

But he added: “Let me be absolutely clear - and say directly to the government - up against no deal, we accept this deal, but the consequences of it are yours and yours alone.

 “We will hold you to account for it every second you are in power; for the promises you have made and the promises you break.

 “No longer can you blame somebody else.

“Responsibility for this deal - lies squarely at the door of No 10.”