Labour leader emphasizes a closer relationship with Europe without rejoining the single market or customs union

In a recent joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made it clear that while the British government aims to reset its relationship with the European Union, it has no intention of reversing Brexit. The renewed engagement focuses on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defence, and technology, but stops short of re-entering the single market or customs union.

Starmer and Scholz have begun discussions on a new bilateral agreement that seeks to foster economic growth and job creation in both nations. This treaty, expected to be finalized by early next year, will cover a range of areas such as defense collaboration, energy security, and scientific research.

One of the key topics of the news conference was the joint action plan to address illegal migration and smuggling. The plan includes enhanced intelligence and data sharing between the two countries, reflecting a mutual interest in tackling these issues more effectively.

While the focus of the talks was on cooperation rather than revisiting past agreements, there was notable discussion about the possibility of a youth mobility scheme. This scheme, proposed by the EU, would facilitate easier movement for young people between the UK and Europe, allowing them to study or work abroad for limited periods. However, Starmer clarified that the UK government currently has no plans to implement such a scheme.

The proposed treaty with Germany is seen as a strategic move to improve UK-EU relations, which have soured since Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Scholz expressed a desire to rejuvenate exchanges between Britons and Germans, echoing Starmer’s sentiments about strengthening ties without reversing Brexit.

Starmer’s comments come amidst ongoing political debate about the UK’s future relationship with the EU. While Labour has indicated a desire for a better trade deal than the one negotiated by Boris Johnson in late 2020, it remains uncertain whether Brussels will entertain significant changes before the deal’s review in 2026.

In response to questions about concessions the UK might need to offer for a better deal, Starmer maintained that the government’s objective was to forge a closer relationship with Europe without altering the fundamental terms of Brexit. He emphasized the importance of economic and cultural exchanges while ruling out any changes to the existing trade agreements.

The German government, represented by Scholz, has expressed interest in initiatives like student exchanges but is also keen to address broader issues such as illegal immigration and trade relations. Nils Schmid, foreign affairs spokesperson for Scholz’s Social Democratic Party, highlighted that any youth mobility scheme would focus on educational and work experiences rather than general immigration.

Critics of Starmer’s approach, such as Conservative shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake, have accused him of trying to re-align UK-EU relations in a manner that could eventually lead to reversing Brexit. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran has welcomed the renewed talks as a positive development but urges the new government to pursue a more ambitious agenda in rebuilding ties with European allies.

FINANCIAL TIMES

Germany and the UK are poised to sign a significant new defence treaty, marking a major shift in their bilateral relations. Announced in July, this treaty aims to enhance joint equipment development and integrate defence supply chains, reflecting Germany’s commitment to deepening cooperation with third countries amid Europe’s evolving security landscape.

This move comes as Europe reconsiders its defence strategy in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The European Commission is expected to present a new defence industry strategy soon, which may lead to disagreements among EU members. France prefers limiting third-country involvement in EU defence projects, while Sweden and the Netherlands advocate for a more inclusive approach, given their existing ties with non-EU defence industries.

The UK-German treaty places Berlin in opposition to France’s restrictive stance, highlighting a division within the EU on how to handle external military partnerships. Concurrently, an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers will occur without Hungary, due to recent diplomatic tensions involving Budapest’s actions with Russia. The meeting will address key issues such as Ukraine, the Middle East, and EU-Turkey relations, reflecting the complex dynamics of EU foreign policy and internal disputes.

THE GUARDIAN

On August 28, 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a significant new UK-Germany treaty, described by Starmer as a “once in a generation” opportunity. The treaty is set to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors including science, technology, and culture, and is expected to boost economic growth and job creation in both countries.

Starmer, who visited Berlin to strengthen ties post-Brexit, also hinted at potential youth exchange programs despite ruling out joining the EU’s youth mobility scheme. However, no new decisions were made regarding the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine.

In other updates, the Liberal Democrats called for more ambitious policies following the treaty announcement, particularly on youth mobility. Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended cuts to winter fuel payments amid fiscal constraints and hinted at possible tax increases in the upcoming budget. Labour’s housebuilding goals may be jeopardized if water companies cannot raise bills significantly. Additionally, Josh Greally received a suspended sentence for attacking Nigel Farage, and the Labour Party faced an ICO reprimand for failing to respond to data requests. The British Medical Association advocated for stricter vaping regulations.

REUTERS

On August 28, 2024, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz unveiled a major bilateral treaty aimed at rejuvenating UK-EU relations. The treaty, described by Starmer as a “once in a generation” opportunity, focuses on deepening cooperation in trade, technology, and cultural exchanges. This initiative seeks to address the strained relations following Brexit and is expected to boost economic growth and job creation in both countries.

The leaders emphasized the treaty’s potential to enhance economic ties and support businesses. Starmer and Scholz also discussed potential areas for further collaboration, reflecting a mutual commitment to strengthening the partnership between the UK and Germany. This agreement marks a significant step in repairing and advancing relations between the two nations in the post-Brexit era.