Senior diplomats have warned that Labour would have a tough time negotiating with the EU as the bloc has 'moved on.'
Former British ambassador to the EU and the US, Lord Darroch, has said that the Commission expects Labour to be "basically more pro-European" adding that the UK should not expect "any free gifts."
It comes as Rishi Sunak previously accused Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of "backing Brussels over Britain every single time."
Starmer has insisted there is no case for re-joining the European Union.
Starmer has previously ruled out rejoining the EU
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Lord Darroch said: "The Commission is an extremely hard-nosed negotiator. And they pride themselves on it.
"The EU has moved on from Brexit. There are plenty of issues around Europe. And what happens next with the Brits really doesn’t make the top 10. They expect Labour to be basically more pro-European but they also expect Labour to be extremely cautious on Europe... we shouldn’t expect any free gifts."
Meanwhile former ambassador to the EU Sir Ivan Rogers told The Telegraph: "Some in Labour tend greatly to underestimate the difficulties it will face.
"There are some signs of pennies dropping. But just because the global environment is much grimmer than in 2016 does not guarantee changed mindsets in Brussels and in key places in key capitals."
Lord Darroch of Kew warned Labour
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The Labour leader wants to sign a new agreement with the EU, one which would smooth disruption to trade, solve the Northern Ireland border issue, and make life simpler for farmers.
However, EU officials have told POLITICO that Brussels would be interested in such a deal, known as a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement only if Starmer was willing to accept European Court of Justice (ECJ) oversight.
The Labour leader previously said Britain’s struggling economy has not been caused by Brexit alone and the European Union is not a "silver bullet" for boosting growth.
Sir Ivan cast doubt on Labour’s plans to align with EU rules in some sectors and keep the freedom to diverge in others, stating that Brussels and Paris would see this as "just the latest glorious version of British cherry picking."
Former ambassador to the EU Sir Ivan Rogers told The Telegraph: "Some in Labour tend greatly to underestimate the difficulties it will face"
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Lord Darroch added the EU recognises "that we have been leading players in Ukraine, that we have effective, well equipped armed forces, and a global foreign policy, so we bring something to the table."
He added: "The Europeans would be very cautious about unintentionally boosting the UK defence industry as part of any deal."
