Starmer: hopes for reset with EU do not mean ‘reversing Brexit’

Sir Keir Starmer insisted he was not “reversing Brexit” as he set out plans for a new treaty with Germany as part of a wider “reset” of relations with the European Union.

The Prime Minister, who agreed that a deal with Germany would be in place by the end of the year following talks with counterpart Olaf Scholz, said it was a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.

Mr Scholz said the UK and Germany were “good friends, close partners and trusted allies” as Sir Keir promised a “bright new future” for the countries’ relationship.

Sir Keir said the new UK-Germany treaty would result in “deeper links on science, technology, development, people, business, culture” and “a boost to our trading relations”.

A new defence agreement will build on the “already formidable” co-operation between the two countries, Sir Keir said.

He said the treaty was a “once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for working people in Britain and in Germany”.

“Britain can advance its interests much more effectively when we work with friends and partners.

“This treaty is part of a wider reset, grounded in a new spirit of cooperation with our shared understanding that this will be developed at pace, and that we hope to have agreed it by the end of the year.”

Illegal migration

The two countries also agreed to develop a “joint action plan to tackle illegal migration”.

Sir Keir’s hopes for the “wider reset” with the European Union would not amount to undoing the Brexit decision, he insisted.

“I’m absolutely clear that we do want a reset.

“I have been able to repeat that here today, a reset with Europe, a reset with the EU.

“That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union, but it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defence, including exchanges, but we do not have plans for a youth mobility scheme.”

An agreement on youth mobility has been suggested by Brussels and could be a key demand in any negotiations.

But that could be seen as a step towards the restoration of free movement and Sir Keir said he had “clear red lines” ahead of talks with the European Union on the future relationship.

He told reporters: “In relation to youth mobility, obviously, we’ve been really clear – no single market, no customs union, no free movement, no going back into the EU.

“So the discussion about a close relationship with the EU, is in that context and within those frameworks.

“I’m convinced, and I think you heard from the chancellor himself, that we can have a close relationship, notwithstanding those clear red lines that we’ve got and we’ve always had.”

Mr Scholz said: “We want to create good relations between the UK and the European Union, it can become better day by day, and we all share an interest.”

There was “reason to do everything in our power to improve relations between both countries but also the UK and the European Union”.

Tone

Responding to Sir Keir Starmer’s comments following the meeting with Olaf Scholz, Plaid Cymru Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ben Lake MP said: “There has been a welcome shift in tone between the UK Government and our EU partners. A shift in tone in itself, however, will not bring about substantial change for Welsh businesses, the wider economy, or young people’s future prospects.

“There needs to be an acknowledgement that small businesses are hindered by red tape that makes exporting to the European continent complex and expensive, with estimates that the additional border checks cost UK businesses up to £7.5 billion a year. Membership of the single market and customs union would eradicate these costs, and in turn boost our economy and revive vital trade links.

“The new UK Government is keen to stress that things will get worse before they improve, and it now offers young people little hope for any positive changes beyond that bleak outlook. The EU has extended opportunities that could immediately benefit young people in the UK, such as rejoining the Erasmus programme and establishing a youth mobility scheme. It is time for the Labour government to think outside the box and be ambitious in creating opportunities for our young people.”

Following his engagements in Berlin, Sir Keir was heading to Paris for the start of the Paralympics and talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, where he will continue to pursue his reset agenda.