Hungary’s new PM has urged Britain to rejoin the EU as Keir Starmer talks up his push to unwind Brexit.
Péter Magyar, who defeated Viktor Orbán in a stunning result overnight, said he ‘hoped’ the UK would become a member state again.
The comment came as Sir Keir again pointed to the Middle East crisis as evidence that he needs to cosy up to Brussels.
Delivering a statement to MPs, the Premier said dealing with the fallout from Donald Trump’s war with Iran meant ‘a closer economic relationship with our European allies because Brexit did deep damage to the economy’.
‘The opportunities we now have to strengthen our security and cut the cost of living are simply too big to ignore,’ he added.
It came after he last night said Mr Magyar’s election win was a ‘historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy’.
Sir Keir has also been asked about proposals for the Government to introduce legislation to align Britain with future single-market regulations without normal parliamentary scrutiny.
Brexiteers have cried foul saying it would amount to Britain becoming a ‘rule-taker’.
But speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the PM insisted a stronger relationship with Europe is in the ‘UK’s best interest’.
He said: ‘We’re in a world where there’s massive conflict, great uncertainty, and I strongly believe that the UK’s best interests are in a stronger, closer relationship with Europe, whether that’s defence and security… energy, inevitably, and also, our economy.’
Sir Keir added that the legislation will make trade easier, reducing ‘burdens’ on businesses and lowering prices.
‘A stronger, closer relationship with Europe is in the UK’s best interest, particularly in a world that is as volatile as it is at the moment, and I know that worries a lot of people,’ he said.
At a press conference in Hungary today, Mr Magyar referred to his time as a diplomat in Brussels saying how he could influence policy.
‘The Brits were also part of the EU; let’s hope that they rejoin,’ he added.
EU figures have been delighted by Orbán’s defeat, which came despite the enthusiastic backing of Mr Trump.
Hungary has been the most Russian-friendly member state, holding up efforts to support Ukraine repel Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
But Mr Magyar’s center-right Tisza party won a landslide victory, ending Orbán’s 16-year rule and winning the two-thirds majority it needs to enact constitutional reforms.
Last week Volodymyr Zelensky claimed the UK must rejoin the EU if the US leaves NATO.
Trump, a fierce critic of the defence bloc, has been left unimpressed by fellow members and their refusal to get involved in his war with Iran.
The Ukrainian leader said that in order to bolster Europe’s defence against Russia, the UK ought to reset relations with the continent.
‘If the United States truly thinks about withdrawing from NATO, then European security will be based solely on the European Union,’ he said.
‘But not in its current form. I think that the EU is in a situation where it needs more countries. The UK, Ukraine, Türkiye and Norway.
‘These are four strong countries, which are part of Europe. Together, the UK, Ukraine and Türkiye have armies that are stronger than Russia’s army. Without Ukraine and Türkiye, Europe can’t match Russia.’
He added: ‘With the four countries on board you can wrest control of the seas, have secure skies and the largest land forces.
‘Security comes first, economy second. Not vice versa.’
