Sir Keir Starmer will journey to Brussels on Wednesday to carry talks with EU leaders about “putting the Brexit years behind us” and bolstering ties with the UK.
The prime minister has vowed to “reset” relations with Europe following tensions between the earlier Tory authorities and the EU – although he has dominated out a return to the one market, customs union or freedom of motion.
Downing Avenue mentioned Sir Keir will probably be targeted on delivering a “broad-based security pact” with the bloc, in addition to tackling limitations to commerce.
In discussions with the likes of European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, he’ll say that at a time of rising instability on the earth, it will be significant that “like-minded countries cooperate more closely on areas of shared interest”.
Forward of the assembly, the prime minister mentioned: “The UK is undeniably stronger when it really works in lockstep with its closest worldwide companions. This has by no means been extra vital – with struggle, battle and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.
“We are going to solely be capable to deal with these challenges by placing our collective weight behind them, which is why I’m so decided to place the Brexit years behind us and set up a extra pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.
“Better cooperation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve – securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.”
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No concrete bulletins are anticipated from the talks, which can even embrace conferences with European Council President Charles Michel and the European Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola.
The European Fee mentioned the discussions with Ms von der Leyen can be “the beginning of a conversation” about nearer ties.
Sir Keir is beneath stress to comply with Brussels’ calls for a deal on youth mobility to permit younger EU residents better flexibility to come back to the UK to review and work and vice versa.
That is one thing the prime minister has thus far resisted, saying purple traces for the reset rule out a return of freedom of motion, alongside rejoining the customs union and single market.
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Earlier than the talks, pro-EU campaigners pushed for a rethink, accusing the federal government of “letting young people down”.
Sir Nick Harvey, chief govt of European Motion UK, mentioned: “Dismissing the concept of reciprocal youth mobility merely means letting down British younger folks, who face all types of financial difficulties and have seen their horizons curtailed by Brexit.
“Young people want and deserve the chance to study or work in Europe. The government owes it to them to make sure they get that chance.”
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Cal Roscow, from the Finest for Britain marketing campaign, mentioned: “Brexit robbed younger Brits of irreplaceable alternatives to expertise new cultures, meet new folks and study new languages whereas working, travelling and finding out in Europe.
“The new government has the chance to give these formative experiences back to young Brits, with this universally popular scheme that the European Commission is already open to agreeing.”
