SIR Keir Starmer insists a Labour government would not drag Britain back into the European Union.
The leader of the Opposition ruled out a return to freedom of movement or membership of the single market, saying those arguments are "in the past".
But his comments provoked anger among Brexiteers, who accused him of "flip flopping" and warned trusting Sir Keir with Brexit is like "trusting Dracula at the blood bank".
In a Express personal readers, message to the Labour leader said the UK's future is outside the EU but the trade deal needs "fixing".
Sir Keir wrote: "Express readers deserve their politicians to be clear about where they stand. So let me spell it out simply.
"Britain's future is outside the EU. Not in the single market, not in the customs union, not with a return to freedom of movement. Those arguments are in the past, where they belong.
"But they also expect politicians to be honest. There is no point pretending everything is working fine. The paper-thin Tory deal has stifled potential and Britain's hugely weighted trade terms towards the EU.
"Every day it isn't built upon, our European friends and competitors aren't just eating our lunch they're nicking our dinner money as well."
Sir Keir said "ducking hard conversations" would mean Britain would fall behind its competitors.
This story is from the May 31, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 31, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
UNTOUCHABLE
Foster backs Peaty to lead another British gold rush
'I'm watching the spring flowers come up thinking this is probably my last spring'
Assisted dying campaigner Dame Esther on the 'constant background' of terminal cancer
'When I go back I cry...I saw bodies brought off that beach'
D-DAY warriors have recalled the bravery and the horror of the historic landings as they mark the invasion's 80th anniversary.
Meghan brings sunshine on her return to Nigerian roots
Splurge of colour in 3k three-year-old dress
British troops' show of Nato strength to Russia
BRITISH troops deployed a weapons system dubbed the \"70km sniper\" one hour from the Russian border yesterday as part of the largest Nato military exercise since the Cold War.
Eating starch and sugar just made me want more
MOTHER-of-one Sherran Harvey was so addicted to junk food she feared she would end up in a wheelchair.
Junk food causing 'more damage to health now than smoking in 1950s'
THE damage done to the nation's health by ultra-processed food in our diets will be greater than smoking in the 1950s, an expert has warned.
Happy night in Valley as Prince praises Floella
THE BBC was in its happy place at the Baftas last night as it scooped more than half of the prizes.
PM'S BOLD VISION FOR 'STARK CHOICES' FACING BRITAIN
Country can seize huge life-changing opportunities in the face of global threats
TROPHY HAAL
Erling will never rest on his laurels when it comes to winning silverware