Britain's opposition Labour Party will back Prime Minister Boris Johnson's trade deal with the European Union when it is put before parliament next week, Labour leader Keir Starmer said on Thursday.
Earlier, Britain clinched a narrow Brexit trade deal just seven days before it exits one of the world's biggest trading blocs in its most significant global shift since the loss ofempire.
Parliament is due to be recalled on December 30 to vote on the legislation which implements the deal.
"When this deal comes before parliament, Labour will accept it and vote for it," Mr. Starmer said. "At a moment of such national significance, it is not credible for Labour to be on the sidelines."
But Mr. Starmer said he could only justify voting for the deal because it was better than the alternative - a disruptive break with the EU on December 31 that would worsen the economic damage of leaving the bloc.
"The deal is a thin agreement," he said. "It does not provide adequate protections for British manufacturing, our financial services, creative industries or workplace rights. It is not the deal the government promised."
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
Support Quality Journalism.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
