Prime Minister Starmer in Brussels to Forge New EU Ties While Preserving UK Sovereignty

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

The Prime Minister is seeking to forge a “more pragmatic” relationship with the EU, while stating that there will be no reinstatement of free movement, despite proposals for a youth mobility scheme.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 11:

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

The Prime Minister has pledged to overhaul ties with Europe after strains with the former Conservative administration and the EU, but he has dismissed the idea of rejoining the single market, customs union, or reinstating free movement.

Downing Street announced that Sir Keir is committed to establishing a comprehensive security agreement with the group, while also addressing obstacles to commerce.

In conversations with figures such as Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, he will express that during a period 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 unquestionably benefits from close collaboration with its key global allies. This is especially critical now, as war, conflict, and instability threaten Europe's stability."

"To overcome these obstacles, we must unite and focus our efforts, which is why I am committed to moving past the Brexit era and fostering a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union."

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

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It is not anticipated that any definitive statements will be made following the discussions, which will also involve sessions with European Council President Charles Michel and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

The European Commission indicated that the talks involving Ms. von der Leyen would initiate dialogue aimed at strengthening relations.

Sir Keir faces mounting pressure to respond to Brussels' requests for an agreement on youth mobility that would enhance the ability of young EU citizens to travel to the UK for study and work purposes, and similarly for UK youth in the EU.

The Prime Minister has consistently opposed this idea, stating that the boundaries set for the reset explicitly prevent reinstating free movement, as well as rejoining the customs union and single market.

Learn more: UK economy projected to be £311 billion poorer by 2035 after EU exit; Brexit-related border controls expected to increase consumer costs by billions.

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Prior to the discussions, advocates supportive of the EU called for a reassessment, criticizing the government for failing the youth.

Sir Nick Harvey, the top executive at European Movement UK, stated, "Rejecting the concept of mutual youth exchange essentially fails Britain's youth, who are grappling with various economic challenges and have experienced a reduction in opportunities due to Brexit."

"Young individuals aspire to and are entitled to opportunities for education or employment in Europe. It is the government's responsibility to ensure they have access to these opportunities."

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Cal Roscow of the Best for Britain campaign expressed that 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 education across Europe.

"The new administration has the opportunity to restore these crucial opportunities for young Britons through this widely favored program, which the European Commission is already willing to approve."

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