Sri Lanka, Jan. 4 -- Keir Starmer has said the UK should move towards closer alignment with EU markets "if it's in our national interest".

The prime minister told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg it would be "better looking to the single market rather than the customs union for our further alignment", in order to protect trade deals with India and the US.

But he ruled out revisiting manifesto promises not to rejoin the EU single market or customs union, or to end freedom of movement.

The comments are the clearest indication yet that Sir Keir wants to pursue a closer relationship with Europe in a broader number of areas.

The Conservatives said the PM was using Brexit as an excuse for the UK's economic struggles.

The UK is already lining up ...