Tory approach reveals ‘post-imperial delusions’

THE Tory approach to negotiations on leaving the European Union reveals the “post-imperial delusions” of Theresa May’s party, shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer will claim.

Sir Keir will say that Labour is “ready to take charge of the negotiations” and deliver a “sensible” Brexit that respects the result of the referendum.

The Labour leadership is under pressure to commit the party to staying in the single market and maintain free movement after Brexit.

Sir Keir will use his speech at the party conference in Brighton to set out the values behind Labour’s approach to Brexit, but he has so far been reluctant to define exactly the relationship he wants with Brussels in the long term.

He will say: “The way the Tories are handling Brexit tells you a lot about their competence – or should I say incompetence.

“But it also tells you about their character. About their dogmatic disregard of the national interest. About their sheer sense of entitlement. About their post-imperial delusions

“About their willingness to put other people’s jobs at risk.”

The country was “yearning for change” which could not be delivered by Mrs May “and whichever Brexiteer replaces her”.

At a fringe meeting yesterday Sir Keir refused to be drawn on the specifics of the future permanent relationship with the EU Labour hoped to achieve but said it must retain “the benefits” of the single market and customs union.