Sir Keir Starmer will journey to Brussels on Wednesday to carry talks with EU leaders about “putting the Brexit years behind us” and bolstering ties with the UK.
The prime minister has vowed to “reset” relations with Europe following tensions between the earlier Tory authorities and the EU – although he has dominated out a return to the one market, customs union or freedom of motion.
Downing Avenue stated Sir Keir can be targeted on delivering a “broad-based security pact” with the bloc, in addition to tackling limitations to commerce.
In discussions with the likes of European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, he’ll say that at a time of rising instability on the earth, it is vital that “like-minded countries cooperate more closely on areas of shared interest”.
Forward of the assembly, the prime minister stated: “The UK is undeniably stronger when it really works in lockstep with its closest worldwide companions. This has by no means been extra essential – with battle, battle and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.
“We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.
“Higher cooperation with the EU will ship the advantages the British individuals deserve – securing our borders, retaining us protected and boosting financial progress.”
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Starmer ‘will not reverse’ Brexit
No concrete bulletins are anticipated from the talks, which can even embrace conferences with European Council President Charles Michel and the European Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola.
The European Fee stated the discussions with Ms von der Leyen could be “the beginning of a conversation” about nearer ties.
Sir Keir is beneath strain to comply with Brussels’ requires a deal on youth mobility to permit younger EU residents larger flexibility to come back to the UK to review and work and vice versa.
That is one thing the prime minister has thus far resisted, saying purple strains for the reset rule out a return of freedom of motion, alongside rejoining the customs union and single market.
Earlier than the talks, pro-EU campaigners pushed for a rethink, accusing the federal government of “letting young people down”.
Sir Nick Harvey, chief govt of European Motion UK, stated: “Dismissing the idea of reciprocal youth mobility simply means letting down British young people, who face all sorts of economic difficulties and have seen their horizons curtailed by Brexit.
“Younger individuals need and deserve the prospect to review or work in Europe. The federal government owes it to them to ensure they get that likelihood.”
Cal Roscow, from the Finest for Britain marketing campaign, stated: “Brexit robbed young Brits of irreplaceable opportunities to experience new cultures, meet new people and learn new languages while working, travelling and studying in Europe.
“The brand new authorities has the prospect to provide these formative experiences again to younger Brits, with this universally well-liked scheme that the European Fee is already open to agreeing.”
