Keir Starmer given a shot within the arm from France, warns Nigel Farage | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Reform UK chief Nigel Farage has warned the comeback of Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as French Prime Minister is a lift to Sir Keir Starmer because the latter seeks nearer alignment with the EU.

Following the nomination by French President Emmanuel Macron, Farage informed POLITICO Barnier’s appointment would assist Sir Keir transfer the UK nearer to the EU: “An EU fanatic as French prime minister would, sadly, swimsuit the Labour authorities.” Others who sounded the alarm were former MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, who warned the former negotiator was “no friend of the UK”.

The new Labour government – Remainer at heart – has ruled out rejoining the EU but seeks closer alignment with the bloc, including deals on security, as well as reducing red tape. Sir Keir recently already met his German counterpart Olaf Scholz, an indication for many critics of the new government’s intent.

For his part, Barnier is on record saying he would like to see closer EU-UK ties, having called Brexit “nonsense” and a “lose-lose game”.

Even extra regarding for Brexiteers nonetheless, the brand new French PM has cautioned the UK can not cherry decide however should transfer nearer to the buying and selling bloc on areas like regulatory alignment to take pleasure in a better financial partnership.

This is strictly the form of factor Brexiteers concern, particularly since they doubt the sincerity of the Labour entrance bench in relation to conserving with the spirit of Brexit, and fear such a powerful negotiating place by the likes of Barnier would supply cowl for Labour to promote Britain out.

Interestingly, inside France, Barnier’s coming to energy is extra a priority for the Left than the Right, and should in truth have strengthened the hand of Marine Le Pen, chief of National Rally, and herself a contender for French President.

Following Macron’s shock name for legislative elections, there was a must convey stability to French politics. However, within the aftermath of the vote, the Leftist alliance, the New Popular Front – which gained probably the most seats within the second spherical of the election – had its candidate Lucie Castets rejected by Macron.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, chief of France Unbowed – the most important get together inside the alliance – subsequently known as for avenue protests, saying Macron “officially denied the result of the legislative elections that he himself had called’. By contrast, Le Pen said: “Michel Barnier appears to fulfill at the very least the primary criterion we requested for, i.e. somebody who’s respectful of the totally different political forces and able to addressing the National Rally, which is the most important group within the National Assembly”.

No doubt the actual fact Barnier has shifted to the Right in recent times can have knowledgeable Le Pen’s emotions. In current years, Barnier known as for a moratorium to freeze immigration to France for 3 to 5 years, in addition to there being a binding referendum to determine what stage of immigration was acceptable to the French individuals. Le Pen has additionally known as for such a referendum.

Reports point out the National Rally chief informed Macron her get together wouldn’t settle for earlier frontrunners for PM, former socialist PM Bernard Cazeneuve or centrist Xavier Bertrand. Barnier will now want the help of National Rally MPs, additional strengthening Le Pen’s hand, whereas weakening the Left, and additional alienating Macron from a lot of his anti-Le Pen base.

This makes for a febrile environment inside a rustic already tearing itself aside politically. But for Brexiteers, Barnier’s appointment will catalyse fears that France can have a rabid anti-Brexiteer as PM, one who desires the UK again within the EU fold however who may also stand resolutely in opposition to any so-called cherry-picking from the UK aspect.

Leavers will concern this provides Sir Keir and his authorities cowl to align nearer with Brussels, in a position to make use of the robust negotiating stance of the likes of Barnier as a scapegoat for giving extra powers away to the EU. Either manner, having Barnier again within the high flight of French politics can solely be unfavorable for Brexiteers and certain a lift to a Remainer-sympathising Labour authorities.