'Put Brexit behind us': Starmer heads to Brussels in new bid to reset EU relations with Britain

2 October 2024, 00:19

Keri Starmer, Premierminister des Vereinigten Koenigreichs und Nordirlands, waehrend einer Pressekonferenz in Berlin, 28.08.2024. Berlin Deutschland *** Keri Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain a
Starmer is seeking to put Brexit behind us when he visits Brussels as part of his plan to reset EU-UK relations. Picture: Alamy

By Chay Quinn

Sir Keir Starmer heads to Brussels on Wednesday promising to "put the Brexit years behind us" as he seeks a closer relationship with the European Union.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Prime Minister will push for a better trading relationship and greater co-operation on defence and security measures.

But he is under pressure to agree to Brussels' calls for a deal on youth mobility to allow young EU citizens greater freedom to come to the UK to study and work and vice versa, something Sir Keir has so far resisted.

Read More: 'The region is on the brink': Starmer warns against escalation in Downing Street address after Iran missile attack

Read More: UK beats Europe with IPO activity as political uncertainty hampers global deals

The Prime Minister will hold separate meetings with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Council chief Charles Michel and the European Parliament's Roberta Metsola during his visit to Brussels.

Ahead of the trip, he said: "The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important - with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe's door.

Starmer has tried to enter a new era of post-Brexit cooperation
Starmer has tried to enter a new era of post-Brexit cooperation. Picture: Alamy

"We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.

"Better co-operation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve - securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth."

No concrete announcements are expected from what is the first formal meeting between Sir Keir and the Brussels chiefs as part of his plan to "reset" UK-EU relations.

The European Commission said the meeting with Ms von der Leyen would be "the beginning of a conversation".

The Prime Minister's red lines for the reset rule out a return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement.

But pro-EU campaigners have pushed for him to give ground on a youth mobility scheme, something he has so far said he has "no plans" to agree to.

Sir Nick Harvey, chief executive of European Movement UK, said: "Dismissing the idea of reciprocal youth mobility simply means letting down British young people, who face all sorts of economic 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."

Cal Roscow, from Best for Britain, said: "Brexit robbed young Brits of irreplaceable opportunities to experience new cultures, meet new people and learn new languages while working, travelling and studying 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."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Coleen Rooney arrives with husband Wayne Rooney at Royal Courts of Justice

Coleen Rooney 'signs up for I’m A Celeb' in wake of latest Wagatha Christie win

Alex Salmond has passed away at the age of 69

Tributes paid to 'titan' Alex Salmond as King Charles 'deeply saddened' by death of former Scottish First Minister

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 2024 Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Meghan Markle's ex-bodyguard reveals what 'big hearted' Duchess is really like

Jack Revill aka Jackmaster performs at Bulmers Forbidden Fruit festival

Tributes pour in as Scottish DJ Jack Revill AKA Jackmaster dies aged 38

P&O Ferries owner 'will attend' PM's investment summit despite Haigh's 'cowboy operator' comments

P&O Ferries owner's £1bn investment 'will go ahead' in lead up to PM's investment summit despite Haigh row

Keir Starmer has led tributes to Alex Salmond

'A lasting legacy': Sir Keir Starmer leads tributes to 'monumental' Alex Salmond

Alba Party leader Alex Salmond

Former Scottish First Minister and 'political titan' Alex Salmond dies aged 69

British Airways plane landing Airbus A319 Wide Side View

BA cancels 'hundreds' of flights due to shortage of engine parts

EU leaders 'outraged' at Israel as nation urged to stop shooting at UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

UN reports fifth peacekeeper wounded in Lebanon as EU leaders condemn 'deliberate targeting' of UNIFIL soldiers

US Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala

Kamala Harris has 'physical and mental resiliency' to be president, says doctor

King Arthur 'may have been LGBT' because he once wore women's clothing, Welsh council claims

King Arthur 'may have been LGBT' because he once wore women's clothing, Welsh council claims

MSC Virtuosa Cruise ship docked at Bruges, Belgium

Woman 'dead after going overboard' on Channel Islands cruise on Saturday night

Brits will have their last chance to see a comet tonight - before the dazzling space object fades into darkness for 80,000 years.

Stargazers prepare for 'once in a lifetime' comet that will not return to UK skies for 80,000 years

pregnant woman holds an ultrasound photo of her baby, smiling as she gazes at the image. The ultrasound shows a clear picture of the developing baby,

UK's fertility rate falling faster than any other G7 nation - with austerity a 'principal factor'

Exclusive
'He’s deluded': Couple who sued police for racial profiling call for retired officers to be held accountable

'He’s deluded': Couple who sued police for racial profiling call for retired officers to be held accountable

P&O Ferries owner 'will attend' PM's investment summit despite Haigh's 'cowboy operator' comments

P&O Ferries owner 'will attend' PM's investment summit despite Haigh's 'cowboy operator' comments