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Keir Starmer was accused of \u201cundermining the will of the British people\u201d after holding talks with Emmanuel Macron over his plan to bring Britain closer to the EU.<\/p>\n
The Labour leader provoked fury as he boasted of having a \u201cvery political discussion\u201d with the French President.<\/p>\n
The controversial Paris meeting came as France and Germany tabled plans for a dramatic expansion of the EU that could see Britain rejoin as an \u201cassociate member\u201d.<\/p>\n
Sir Keir has said he would prioritise getting a \u201cmuch better deal for the UK\u201d as part of a review of the \u00adpost-Brexit trade deal due in 2026 if he wins the next general election.<\/p>\n
Brussels is preparing to welcome Ukraine as a full member of the bloc in less than seven years as part of its biggest shake up in decades.<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> UK could become ‘associate member’ of EU under new plan by France and Germany<\/strong><\/p>\n The new Franco-German plans call for a four-tiered European Union to integrate countries that aren\u2019t \u201cwilling and\/or able to join the EU in the foreseeable future\u201d.<\/p>\n Under the plan, Britain could be invited into the third tier as an \u201cassociate member\u201d of the EU. Mr Macron is known to be a strong supporter of the proposal.<\/p>\n EU leaders will begin talks on deeper integration and streamlined decision-making, with a target date of 2030 to allow the bloc to enlarge eastwards to include the western Balkans.<\/p>\n Sir Keir\u2019s visit comes amid a growing row at home over his plans to alter the UK\u2019s relationship with the EU.<\/p>\n The two leaders exchanged gifts at the Elysee Palace, with the Labour leader presenting the French leader with an Arsenal football shirt with \u201cMacron 25\u201d on the back, while Mr Macron gifted a pair of cufflinks.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Starmer says talks with Macron were \u2018positive\u2019 as anti-Brexit plan emerges[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Speaking to reporters afterwards, Sir Keir said: \u201cWe had a very constructive and positive meeting. It was my first opportunity to say how much I value the relationship between our two countries, particularly when it comes to prosperity and security and how, if we are privileged enough to be elected into power, intend to build on that relationship and make it even stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Keir, who campaigned for a \u00adsecond referendum and supported the return of free movement, added: \u201cWe had a very political discussion covering a lot of issues to do with global politics but also it was that opportunity to look at future prosperity, future security, some of the most pressing issues on my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n But Tories have warned he could take Britain \u201cback to square one\u201d while Brussels observers said a closer deal would be possible only by signing up to EU laws.<\/p>\n Brexiteer former defence secretary Liam Fox said: \u201cBy stealth and \u00adarrogance, he seeks to undermine the will of the British people.\u201d<\/p>\n Craig Mackinlay, a Conservative member of the Commons European scrutiny committee, warned: \u201cHe is someone who wants Britain to be in the EU. If he gets into No10 then he will betray the ideals and advantages of Brexit. We will end up with more alignment with the EU, but no say over the rules \u2013 it would be the worst of both worlds.\u201d<\/p>\n A Labour spokesman said: \u201cLabour will seek a better deal for Britain. This does not involve any form of membership.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/4968131.jpg?r=1695162014765\")
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