Labour minister denies 'Brexit betrayal' by Keir Starmer in GB News grilling: 'It's the right thing to do!'

Georgia Pearce
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:08:10 +0000

Health Minister Karin Smyth has rejected suggestions that the Government intends to rejoin the European Union through the backdoor, despite pursuing closer ties with European partners.

Speaking to GB News, Ms Smyth stated: "No, this is work that we are doing. We have reset the relationship with our European partners, that's work that Keir Starmer has led."

The minister confirmed that rejoining either the Customs Union or Single Market remains off the table.

"We have ruled out a return to the Customs Union or the Single Market," she said, adding that any measures requiring parliamentary approval would be brought before MPs.

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Ms Smyth outlined the reasoning behind the Government's approach to European relations, pointing to the significant drop in exports that has occurred since Britain left the EU.

The minister highlighted that aligning food and drink standards more closely with European counterparts would boost trade and strengthen partnerships with EU nations.

She explained: "We know that, for example, exports have declined massively since Brexit, and things around our food and drink standards, making them more dynamically aligned with our European colleagues will help with those exports and forge that relationship with our European partners."

Ms Smyth emphasised that building this new relationship serves the interests of the British economy, particularly businesses and industries that have struggled in certain areas since Brexit.

When asked about delays to publishing guidance on women's safe spaces, Ms Smyth confirmed that a parliamentary statement would be delivered later today.

She said: "This particular guidance does need to come out. We all want to see that the Supreme Court judgement was clear. The law is the law, and we absolutely accepted that, and the clarity that it brought."

The minister indicated that Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson would provide an updated statement outlining the next steps.

"Later today in Parliament, there will be an updated statement on what needs to happen next, I understand from the Secretary of State," Ms Smyth added.

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Ms Smyth praised Phillipson's dedication to advancing women's rights, noting that the Education Secretary has personal experience running a Women's Refuge and remains deeply committed to these issues.

"She has herself run a Women's Refuge. She's very passionate about rights for women, and the Equality Act in its widest form, all aspects of it," the minister said.

Ms Smyth also stressed that the Government supports transgender people alongside its commitment to women's rights.

"We support the rights, obviously, of transgender people as well. We're very proud of the Equality Act, and that is at the forefront of what Bridget Phillipson does, and she does it very well," she added.

Sir Keir's reset with the EU is expected to give ministers the power to "dynamically align" with the EU on future single-market rules if they deem it to be in the national interest.

A Government source rejected the suggestion that MPs will have no say on the new EU regulations.

Ministers will adopt EU rules through secondary legislation via a "statutory instrument".

The source told GB News: "We are clear Parliament will have a role for new deals and on new EU laws applying under those deals."