Starmer tight-lipped on whether Britain should rejoin EU despite pressure from Burnham and Streeting

• Sir Keir Starmer has declined to state whether he wishes for Britain to rejoin the European Union during his lifetime, despite pressure from figures like Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting.
• He emphasised that the focus should be on building a closer relationship with the EU rather than 'looking backwards to Brexit'.
• Labour's manifesto commitment rules out rejoining the EU, the single market, the customs union, or restoring freedom of movement during the current parliament.
• Sir Keir highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen ties, including a successful bilateral meeting with Ursula von der Leyen and plans for a youth mobility scheme.
• A second UK-EU summit is scheduled for 22 July, aiming to further develop the relationship between Britain and the bloc.

IN FULL

Starmer refuses to say whether he wants to see Britain rejoin the EU in his lifetime