Prime Minister Starmer Heads to Brussels to Forge New EU Relations, Sidesteps Freedom of Movement Return

Starmer heads to Brussels for discussions aimed at moving past the Brexit era

The Prime Minister seeks to forge a "more practical" relationship with the EU, emphasizing that there will be no reinstatement of free movement, despite proposals for a youth mobility scheme.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 23:

Sir Keir Starmer is set to visit Brussels this Wednesday for discussions with European Union leaders focused on moving past the Brexit era and strengthening the relationship between the UK and the EU.

The Prime Minister has pledged to rejuvenate ties with Europe after strains with the former Conservative administration and the EU, while explicitly dismissing any reinstatement of the single market, customs union, or free movement.

Downing Street announced that Sir Keir's primary agenda will be to establish a comprehensive security agreement with the bloc and address obstacles in trade.

In conversations with figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he will emphasize that during periods of increasing global uncertainty, it is crucial for "like-minded nations to collaborate more intensively on common concerns."

Before the conference, the prime minister stated, "The UK is unquestionably more robust when it collaborates closely with its nearest international allies. This is especially crucial now, with war, conflict, and instability pressing on Europe's doorstep."

"We can only overcome these obstacles by uniting our efforts, which is why I am committed to moving past the Brexit era and fostering a more sensible and grown-up partnership with the European Union."

"Enhanced collaboration with the European Union will yield the advantages that the citizens of Britain are entitled to – fortifying our borders, ensuring our safety, and stimulating economic expansion."

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There are no anticipated official statements to emerge from the discussions, which will also feature sessions with European Council President Charles Michel and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

The European Commission stated that the talks with Ms von der Leyen would mark "the start of a dialogue" aimed at strengthening relations.

Sir Keir faces mounting pressure to respond to Brussels' appeals for an agreement on youth mobility that would enable young EU citizens to have more opportunities to study and work in the UK, and similarly for British youths in the EU.

The Prime Minister has remained firm against this idea, stating that the boundaries set for the new policy framework explicitly prevent the reintroduction of free movement, as well as rejoining the customs union and the single market.

Learn more: UK economy could be '£311 billion poorer by 2035' following EU exit. Brexit-related border controls may 'increase costs for consumers by billions'.

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Prior to the discussions, advocates favoring the European Union called for a reassessment, criticizing the government for failing the youth.

Nick Harvey, the CEO of European Movement UK, stated: "Rejecting the concept of mutual youth exchange is essentially a betrayal of young Britons, who are grappling with numerous economic challenges and have experienced a narrowing of opportunities due to Brexit.

"Young individuals aspire to and are entitled to opportunities for education or employment across Europe. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure they can access these opportunities."

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Cal Roscow of the Best for Britain campaign remarked, "Brexit has deprived young Britons of invaluable chances to immerse themselves in different cultures, forge new relationships, and acquire new languages through work, travel, and study across Europe."

"The current administration has the opportunity to reintroduce these crucial experiences to young Britons through this widely acclaimed program, which the European Commission is already receptive to approving."

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