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Keir Starmer's allies crush bid for debate about 'the Tories' disastrous Brexit deal' at Labour conference despite pleas from Lord Kinnock and Alastair Campbell - while David Lammy says improving UK-EU relations is a 'priority' for the party

Labour's leadership has seen off attempts by former leader Lord Kinnock and Tony Blair era spin chief Alastair Campbell to have an open debate on 'the Tories' disastrous Brexit deal' at Labour Conference.

The two Remainers lead a campaign by pressure group Labour 4 Europe to have a debate and vote on pursuing closer ties with Brussels at the event in Liverpool.

But the effort came to nothing despite the two big beasts of Labour politics issuing social media videos urging party members to allow the debate to go ahead.

Sir Keir has been battling to keep a lid on Brexit divisions in the party, dashing hopes of the pro-EU wing that it will seek to rejoin the single market or customs union if it wins power.