Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has dispatched his new Europe minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, to Brussels in a decisive move to reset post-Brexit relations with the European Union.
The minister for the constitution and European Union relations shared an image of himself boarding the Eurostar at London St Pancras, en route to meet EU Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic.
The Labour Party has firmly stated they will not seek to rejoin the EU or re-enter the customs union and single market. However, their manifesto promises a “reset” of Brexit relations and a renegotiated deal.
This comes amid ongoing concerns about the trade agreement signed by Boris Johnson and border hold-ups, issues Sir Keir highlighted during the election campaign.
Despite many believing that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Windsor Framework would mark the end of Brexit negotiations, Starmer maintains that unresolved issues persist.
One of the key topics for discussion with the EU is the potential partial return of free movement of people, particularly for young people.
As he departed for Brussels on Monday morning, Mr. Thomas-Symonds expressed his anticipation for the talks, stating: “Travelling to Brussels today for discussions with Maros Sefcovic at the EU Commission as we reset the GB/EU relationship.”
The Cabinet Office has indicated that this meeting aims to lay the groundwork for further discussions, focusing on resetting the UK-EU relationship and fostering closer cooperation on shared issues.
Strengthening UK-EU Relations Through Key Discussions
A statement from the Cabinet Office revealed that this meeting follows a positive introductory call on July 7 and Mr. Thomas-Symonds’ visit to Brussels on July 8, his first full day in the role.
During this visit, he met with the UK Ambassador to the EU and addressed staff at the UK Mission to the EU.
Additionally, Thomas-Symonds played a significant role at the recent NATO conference in Washington DC, engaging with EU partners who are members of the defense alliance.
These discussions were in preparation for the European Political Council (EPC) summit set to take place at Blenheim Palace later this week.
One of the key aspects of the renegotiation involves the UK creating a new defense and security pact with the EU, which includes joining more elements of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (Pesco).
While Pesco is seen as the foundation of a nascent EU military force, Sir Keir has denied any intentions for the UK to become part of an EU army.
Ahead of the Brussels meeting, Mr. Thomas-Symonds said, “Our government is committed to resetting the relationship with the European Union, to strengthen ties, reinforce our security, and tackle barriers to trade.”
“The EU and member states are among the UK’s closest friends and allies. With war in Europe, and shared global challenges, in areas such as climate change and illegal migration, a strong UK-EU alliance is vital.
“I am looking forward to meeting the executive vice president in Brussels today, it was a pleasure to speak to him immediately after my appointment last week. I expect to be engaging with him and EU colleagues much more in the coming months, as we work together to help make our continent safer and more prosperous.”
Mr. Nick Thomas-Symonds
Echoing this sentiment, Maros Sefcovic stated, “The EU and the UK are close neighbors, partners, and allies, sharing values as well as challenges that are global in nature.”
This renewed effort by Labour signals a proactive approach to mending and enhancing the UK’s relationship with the EU, emphasizing cooperation and mutual benefit in the face of global challenges.
As talks progress, the focus will remain on creating a stable and prosperous future for both the UK and the European Union.
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