He added that he would remove unnecessary barriers to trade as well as strengthen security cooperation with European allies.
Sir Keir campaigned to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum before serving as Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow Brexit secretary and backing a second referendum.
But his speech on Monday was his strongest signal yet that he now wants to steer the party away from any association with the Remain camp.
Last month, a shadow minister said Labor would at least aim to rejoin the EU’s single market and customs union once it comes into force.
Anna McMorrin, the shadow justice secretary, told supporters that Labor should renegotiate the current deal with the EU, suggesting it could be a route to full membership.
Speaking to the Labor in Communication group, Ms McMorrin said when asked if Britain could return to the single market: “I hope so, I really hope so.”
But she later walked back her comments, saying: “Labour’s Brexit policy is clear. We left the EU, Labor voted for the deal. Now it’s up to all of us to make it work.”
David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary and another potential leadership candidate, has also backed reworking ties with Brussels.
“Certainly if we were in government, there are aspects of our relationship with the European Union that would have to be determined,” he told LBC last month.
Add Comment