Sir Keir Starmer will today tell leading Eurocrats that he wants to work with them “in unison” as they build a “more realistic and mature relationship”.
The Prime Minister will try to warm up the relationship with EU chiefs on her first visit to Brussels to “reset” the relationship.
But a youth movement-style deal could clash with freedoms, and Eurocrats warn it could come at the cost of closer trade and other ties.
EU officials are also understood to be frustrated with Sir Keir for not clearly explaining what he wants from a restart, and may claim he explained it more clearly.
“We need to know what the UK wants,” said one diplomat.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke to Sir Keir Starmer in New York last month.
Sir Kier leaving 10 Downing Street ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions on September 4
The Prime Minister will hold talks with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen at around 1pm (UK time) before meeting EU Council President Charles Michael.
To conclude the visit, he will meet around 4:00 p.m. with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
Ahead of his scheduled departure this morning, Sir Keir, who voted Remain and campaigned for a second referendum to reverse Brexit while in opposition, said last night: “The UK is undeniably stronger when it works closely together.” collaboration with its closest international partners.”
‘It has never been more important: war, conflict and insecurity are knocking on Europe’s door.
‘We can only meet these challenges if we throw our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more realistic and mature relationship with the European Union.
“Better cooperation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve: protecting our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.”
Former prime ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Theresa May had testy relations with Brussels during the Brexit negotiations, adopting a warmer tone than previous Conservative prime ministers.
Relations thawed somewhat under Rishi Sunak when he negotiated a new deal on trade relations controlling Northern Ireland.
European Council President Charles Michel speaks at the closing press conference of the EU summit in Ukraine in May 2022.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks on stage at the Global Citizen Festival 2024 in New York’s Central Park on September 28.
However, Sir Kiir’s government has repeatedly rejected EU proposals for a deal that would allow young people to travel and work in the EU and UK, with Downing Street believing they look too much like the free movement of people ended. for Brexit.
EU diplomats have suggested there is only limited room for “adjustments”, meaning the so-called “youth mobility deal” could become an early flashpoint.
Today’s talks are likely to address the Prime Minister’s desire to improve the post-Brexit trade deal, known as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), agreed by former Prime Minister Johnson.
These include a “veterinary agreement” to reduce trade barriers in the agri-food sector, easier access for service professionals and an agreement to reduce paperwork for musicians and other touring artists.
They could also cover greater alignment with the bloc’s rules in areas such as the chemicals sector and an expanded deal for City of London workers, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves has previously called for.
The fight against illegal immigration and channel crossing by small boats will also be addressed, as well as a possible new security agreement and better exchanges between police and security services.
The UK has said it wants a deal to ease restrictions on artists touring, but the EU has rejected it.
This is because customs and road transport rules that violate Britain’s own red lines need to be changed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the United Nations in New York last month.
During the election campaign, Sir Kier said “everything” needed a renegotiation of the “stupid” post-Brexit relationship, insisting he could make a “good” one.
This has fueled fears that he could betray the 2016 leave vote by pandering to certain demands from Brussels and gradually dismantling Brexit, as Eurocrats will expect something in return.
However, the Labor Party pledged in its manifesto not to rejoin the bloc’s single market and customs union.
The TCA will be formally reviewed in 2026, when tensions could resurface over other traditionally emotive issues, such as fishing rights.
France has told other EU countries that any “reset” with the UK must include the same level of access to fishing in British waters as it currently has.
