The Conservative Party has accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of orchestrating a 'hit job on taxpayers' following a report suggesting the UK could pay the European Union up to £1bn annually for enhanced single market access.
Shadow Cabinet Reactions
Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride told Sky News that the Tories welcome Starmer's announcement regarding the UK joining the EU's €90bn loan for Ukraine, but stressed the need to examine the details. However, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel expressed strong disapproval of the Times report outlining potential payments to the EU.
Report Details
According to Oliver Wright in The Times, European negotiators have made it clear that a financial contribution, expected to be around £1bn per year, is a prerequisite for deeper single market access. They want Starmer to agree to this in principle at a summit with European leaders this summer before detailed integration talks proceed. 'If the UK wants further integration they must pay to play,' a European diplomat stated. The government has not denied the story but suggests it does not recognize the £1bn figure.
Patel's Criticism
In response, Patel said: 'Starmer is unpicking Brexit and planning another undemocratic hit job on British taxpayers by signing us up to a £1bn annual payment to the EU. Once again, this weak prime minister goes to the negotiating table, comes home empty-handed, having fleeced hard-pressed taxpayers with his terrible judgment.'
