Lord Hermer is expected to launch a fresh attack on Nigel Farage and Brexit during a major pro-EU speech today.
The Attorney General will argue that Brexit has caused significant “damage” to Britain’s global standing, as he criticises the Reform UK leader and the Conservatives.
Speaking at an event organised by the European Movement, Hermer is expected to say that many of those who once passionately campaigned for Brexit have now gone “uncharacteristically quiet.”
Debate over Britain’s future relationship with the EU has intensified ahead of the Makerfield by-election and a possible Labour leadership contest.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting sparked backlash just weeks ago after describing Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake.”
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has sought to play down any suggestion of overturning the 2016 referendum result, as he looks to appeal to Leave-supporting voters in the constituency.
Today, the Attorney General is expected to argue that Labour has been left to deal with the “mess” created by Brexit.
“Notably, the politicians who were central to the Brexit campaign now seem hesitant to remind the public of the promises they once made,” he will say.
“When was the last time you heard Nigel Farage proudly champion Brexit or highlight the benefits he claimed it would bring to Britain?
“The reason he has become so quiet about what he once called his crowning achievement is because he understands the damage it has done to Britain, our economy, and our reputation on the world stage.”
He is also expected to warn pro-Europe campaigners against repeating the “mistakes” of the 2016 referendum by appearing too closely tied to the status quo.
A second major UK-EU summit is scheduled to take place in Brussels on July 22 as part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to reset relations with the bloc.
The date was announced jointly on social media by Starmer, António Costa, and Ursula von der Leyen during their meeting at the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains.
A youth mobility agreement is expected to be finalised at the summit, allowing British and EU citizens under 30 to live, work, and study in each other’s countries.
Both sides had originally hoped to hold the meeting on July 13, but the announcement was delayed due to uncertainty over how many EU countries would support visa arrangements for Britons.
Sir Keir said: “My Labour Government is delivering on our promise to reset our relationship and put Britain back at the heart of Europe.
“Together, we will tackle the cost of living, create jobs, and open up new opportunities for young people.”
Also on the agenda is further alignment on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
Both sides have already made progress on the SPS agreement, with the UK outlining some border checks that could be removed to give food producers time to prepare.
The Government has also applied to rejoin the EU’s pet passport scheme, which would make travel for pets across Europe easier after a one-time check.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: “Lord Hermer should focus on his responsibilities as Attorney General.”
