Emily Thornberry has thrown shade at Nigel Farage after he accused the government of “surrendering” to the European Union.
The Reform UK leader has already condemned a deal Keir Starmer is negotiating with Brussels to “reset” Britain’s relations with Brussels, even though it is yet to be finalised.
The prime minister will unveil the details of the agreement following a UK-EU summit at Lancaster House in London on Monday.
It is expected to include a youth mobility deal allowing 18 to 30-year-olds to travel more easily between Britain and the bloc.
British holidaymakers will also be able to use e-gates at European airports instead of having to queue for hours to have their passports stamped.
An agreement over veterinary and food rules will make trade between the UK and EU more easy.
The UK is also set to agree to give French fishermen greater access to British waters in return for a security and defence deal with Brussels.
Farage said: “The whole ‘reset’ is an abject surrender from Starmer and politically something he will come to regret.”
But appearing on LBC today, Labour MP Thornberry hit back at the arch-Brexiteer.
She said: “I don’t think the public thinks that’s relevant. I think they think it’s political elite talking to themselves and it’s not really about real life.
“They do want, if their neighbours run a small business, to be able to export sausages to France and for it not to be held up.
“They do want to be able to travel to Europe and not have their passport stamped and be able to go through e-gates and be able to travel more easily, and they want more money in the economy.”
Asked specifically about Farage’s “surrender” claim, Thornberry said: “Big word for him, isn’t it?”
She added: “Their’s 13 of these youth mobility schemes already with the UK and the sky hasn’t fallen in, and I think youngsters in Britain would like to be able to travel in Europe and so it has to be reciprocal.”
