Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is set to outline ambitious plans for resetting the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, distancing himself from calls to rejoin the EU altogether. Instead, he aims to create stronger ties through improved trade, security, and cooperation agreements.
During his upcoming meeting with EU leaders, Starmer intends to address key concerns and discuss potential partnerships, especially on defense and security, with hopes of stabilizing post-Brexit relations. "We had a referendum here on [rejoining the EU], and the matter is settled. But I do want to see a closer relationship on defence and security, on energy, on trade and our economy, and that's what we're working on," Starmer told reporters. He reiterated his government's commitment to forge meaningful connections without compromising the principles of Brexit.
Starmer's proposed reset coincides with the fifth anniversary of the UK's official departure from the EU, marked recently with polls indicating dwindling support among the public for the decision to leave. According to a recent YouGov survey, 55% of respondents now believe it was the wrong choice, with many longing for closer ties without the formalities of EU membership. This sentiment stands in sharp contradiction to the government's reticence about pursuing initiatives perceived as close reassembly with the EU.
Under Labour’s strategy outlined in their election manifesto, there exists the ambition for Britain to reclaim its status as a leading nation within Europe, enhancing relationships with its trading partners. Central to their approach is the commitment to maintaining distance from both the single market and the customs union. Despite these clarifications, Starmer's cabinet officials suggest new agreements may include easing processes related to trade, particularly agricultural goods between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
Current proposals suggest negotiating what’s being termed as the SPS agreement – relating to food safety and animal and plant health – with hopes of reducing border checks implemented post-Brexit. Minister for the constitution and European relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, emphasized the anticipated impact, stating, "This agreement could eliminate most of the border checks created by the Tory Brexit deal." Estimates indicate border checks have cost businesses around £330 million annually, with industry reports estimating figures could reach £2 billion.
Starmer is also expected to solicit more concrete commitments from the EU on defense cooperation during this summit. A recent anonymous EU official commented on the tentative nature of current negotiations, stating, "There is still residual scarring from the Brexit days. So, we welcome the general improvement in tone, but there is no urgency on our side to move things forward..." which emphasizes the scrutiny British proposals are under.
Turning to political dynamics closer to home, there is growing urgency within Labour, particularly from figures like former party leader Neil Kinnock. He stated, “We seem to be stuck in a... hesitation,” calling for more decisive action on building ties with Europe. He pushed for practical agreements, asserting, “There’s a real opportunity to rebuild trust and secure agreements on trade, security, youth mobility, and regulatory cooperation.” Kinnock believes the public is ready for more ambitious projects and urges the government to lead the dialog with tangible initiatives rather than permitting obstacles to define the relationship.
Adding to the discussion, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has urged for significant progress toward establishing bespoke customs agreements, likening potential agreements with the EU to commitments held by Turkey. He believes concrete discussions around trade benefits are necessary, stating, “The chancellor is tying herself in knots trying to think up new ways to grow our economy, but there’s a solution right under her nose.”
Nevertheless, Starmer and his team are finding themselves at odds with staunch advocates for Brexit within the Conservative Party, where figures like Kemi Badenoch are laying out expectations for any enhanced negotiation with the EU. They assert conditions such as no new financial commitments to the EU and maintaining existing fishing rights, leading to heightened tension as the current government seeks to tread carefully on the Brexit front.
Despite these challenges, many remain cautiously optimistic. There’s acknowledgment among some EU officials on the possibility of beneficial outcomes if negotiations are handled correctly, using existing frameworks like the Windsor Framework as foundations. Cooperation might reduce the prevalence of dissatisfaction stemming from trade disruptions experienced post-Brexit, benefiting both the UK and EU economies.
Starmer insists concerns about EU interference do not deter him from pursuing necessary negotiations. His government is asserting its red lines, with commitments to keep clear of reverting back to free movement or customs arrangements. The UK is gazing toward fresh dialogues to tackle issues stemming from Brexit effectively yet cautiously.
To achieve these objectives, Starmer's upcoming discussions will mark pivotal moments for reshaping the tone of UK-EU relations. Conclusively, observers will be awaiting the outcomes from this prime ministerial diplomatic endeavor, which may lay the groundwork for future collaborative efforts – as both sides must navigate the complex realities left behind by Brexit and find common ground on pressing issues including sovereignty, trade stability, and innovative cooperation.