Political scientist Sir John Curtis has said Labour could take a much more pro-EU stance and it would not hurt them in the polls.
By now, absolutely everyone knows Brexit has been a socio-economic disaster for Britain. The evidence and stats are undeniable and even former Brexiteers admit it’s been a failure.
One of Keir Starmer’s main achievements as Labour leader was managing to repair the UK’s relationship with the European Union, which had been so badly damaged after years of Brexit-obsessed Tory governments.
Andy Burnham looks set to carry on this path of close cooperation with the EU, and given that it was less than a year ago that he was calling Brexit a “disaster,” some have wondered if an eventual return to the trade bloc could be on the cards (or the next Labour manifesto).
Polling has also shown a pledge to reverse Brexit in the next Labour manifesto could significantly boost support for the party.
READ NEXT: ‘£30 billion lost’: Six major studies confirm Brexit’s HUGE toll on UK economy
But, at the moment, this still seems to be a bridge Labour are unwilling to cross, through fears of alienating Leave voters and reopening old debates about Brexit.
These arguments were articulately dismantled by London Mayor Sadiq Khan over the weekend, and now political scientist Sir John Curtis has explained why Labour have very little to lose from adopting a more pro-EU stance.
Speaking on Talk, the electoral expert highlighted that Labour have been unsuccessful in winning back Leave voters who ditched the party over Brexit.
He said: “The Labour Party could be much more pro-European than it has been, and it wouldn’t be to its disadvantage. The truth is, despite its best endeavours, Labour’s support is still predominantly a pro-EU vote.
“It has had relatively little success in attracting back Leave voters because Reform is the party that now represents the majority of Leave voters and Labour are finding it very difficult to appeal to that group.”