Lammy's intervention in the EU could turn out to be a brilliant strategic move

Keir Starmer has faced a challenging journey regarding Brexit. While many within his party hope for a closer relationship with the European Union, the Prime Minister is acutely aware that reopening this debate could jeopardize the seats Labour regained from the Conservatives last year.

The Conservatives landslide victory in 2019 stemmed from Labours promise of a second Brexit referendum, questioning whether the public truly wanted to leave the EU. The memory of that defeat still influences Labour strategy. Starmer has therefore been clearthough cautiously sothat the UK will not rejoin the EU, the customs union, or the single market, while still seeking closer cooperation with the bloc.

This tightrope act leaves little room for error or external voices that might complicate the partys message about the UKs future trade and political alignment.

Enter David Lammy, who has injected himself into the debate with outspoken views advocating for Britain reconsidering EU membership, claiming it could spur economic growth. Despite past missteps in his political careerincluding controversies as Justice Secretary and Foreign SecretaryLammy appears undeterred in voicing his stance on this sensitive issue.

Lammys willingness to speak candidly on the EU, even against collective cabinet restraint, signals a potential strategy to appeal directly to pro-EU segments of the party and public. He seems to take cues from Starmers earlier approach of engaging party members directly, which helped him secure leadership despite internal opposition.

By challenging the conventional line on Brexit, Lammy has created a safer space for other pro-EU ministers to express their views, subtly undermining the Prime Ministers control over the partys narrative on Europe. This move could either be a clever political gambit or an unwelcome disruption, reflecting the delicate dynamics within Labours leadership and Brexit strategy.

Author: Zoe Harrison