Should Starmer pursue closer EU ties despite Brexit divisions?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer pursues closer UK-EU ties on trade, security, and economic alignment, including potential legislation to automatically adopt EU rules in sectors like energy and food. He cites Brexit's damage to the economy and the need to cut living costs and boost growth amid global instability. The policy provokes opposition from Conservatives and Reform UK, who warn of sovereignty loss and higher taxpayer costs estimated at £15 billion.