British PM Starmer wants to restore "positive" relationship with EU
British prime minister Keir Starmer expressed his desire to rebuild a "stable and positive basis" for relations with the European Union during his first official visit to Brussels on Wednesday.
Starmer, who ended fourteen years of Conservative administration in July, aims to improve ties with the EU following the UK's departure in 2020. "We are determined to put this relationship back on the stable and positive basis that we all want to see," he said before meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
"Good basis for our bilateral relations"
Von der Leyen echoed the sentiment, saying, "like-minded partners need to work together more closely in these uncertain times." She highlighted issues such as the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, European security and climate change as areas where cooperation is crucial. "Our agreement on international affairs provides a good basis for our bilateral relations," she added.
While the tone between the UK and EU has improved, concrete steps toward closer cooperation remain unclear. For instance, earlier this year, the European Commission offered to make it easier for young Britons and Europeans to work and study across the Channel, but London has yet to act on the proposal. Some within Starmer’s government reportedly fear that such an agreement might be seen as opening the door to greater freedom of movement and increased immigration, a politically sensitive issue that could provoke backlash from Brexiteers.
Neither von der Leyen nor Starmer mentioned this proposal in their public statements. Instead, Starmer focused on cooperation in addressing irregular migration and strengthening economic ties. He also aims to simplify border controls for agricultural products and secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
"I truly believe that the British public wants a return to pragmatic and sensible leadership when it comes to dealing with our closest neighbours, to make Brexit work," Starmer said. After his meeting with von der Leyen, he was scheduled to meet with European Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Britain's PM Keir Starmer shakes hands with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels on 2 October, 2024 © PHOTO BENJAMIN CREMEL / POOL / AFP
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