Tories accuse PM Starmer of selling out taxpayers in EU negotiations

Opposition Conservative politicians in the United Kingdom have accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of an “hit job on taxpayers” following reports that the country could face financial obligations to the European Union in exchange for expanded access to the single market.

Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Mel Stride said Conservatives would broadly support an initiative for the UK to participate in an EU credit programme for Ukraine worth around €90 billion, but stressed the need to examine the details, The Guardian reports.

At the same time, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel strongly criticised reports suggesting that London could pay up to £1 billion annually for more favourable access to the European market.

“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,” she said.

“Once again, this weak prime minister goes to the negotiating table, comes home empty-handed, having fleeced hard pressed taxpayers with his terrible judgment,” she added.

The UK government has not denied that talks are taking place, but said it does not confirm the reported figure.

According to The Times, the European Union has told Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the UK would need to make annual contributions to EU budgets for the first time since Brexit as part of a “reset” in relations.

Earlier reports also suggested that Brussels is seeking an annual payment of £1 billion ($1.3 billion) for UK access to the EU common market, as part of broader discussions on deepening cooperation between London and Brussels.

By Jeyhun Aghazada