Sir Keir Starmer is set to make history as the first British prime minister to attend a European Union leaders' meeting since Brexit. His visit to Brussels, aimed at enhancing defence and security
cooperation, marks a significant step in what he terms a "reset" of UK-EU relations. During the visit, Starmer will also hold talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
This diplomatic trip underscores the UK’s evolving approach to its relationship with the EU. While the UK government remains firm in its commitment not to rejoin the EU’s single market, customs union, or freedom of movement, there is a clear desire for closer collaboration on defence, security, crime, and trade. Officials hope that discussions can lead to substantial agreements by spring, potentially culminating in a UK-EU summit later in the year.
The meeting of EU leaders at Brussels' historic Palais d'Egmont comes against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. The EU is focusing on taking greater responsibility for its own defence, a longstanding issue that has gained urgency with Trump's renewed demands for Europe to step up its security efforts.
Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the importance of united action against Russia. “President Trump has signaled additional sanctions on Russia, which have clearly rattled Putin. We’re working closely with our European partners to target Russia’s economic lifelines and weaken its military capabilities,” he said. Starmer's focus on coordinated economic pressure aims to accelerate the end of the conflict in Ukraine.
However, Starmer's approach must navigate a complex international landscape. Trump's recent remarks hinting at trade tensions with the UK—suggesting that Britain is “out of line” on trade—highlight the delicate balancing act for UK foreign policy. Following the Brussels visit, Starmer is expected to travel to the United States to address these issues directly.
The UK is also exploring closer ties with the EU in areas like serious crime, organized crime, and trade. Discussions include potentially easing restrictions on food and animal product trade, cooperating on energy policies, and even linking the UK’s emissions trading scheme with that of the EU. Other areas of interest involve the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and improved mobility for touring musicians.
There is also significant EU interest in a youth mobility scheme that would allow easier travel for young people between the UK and the EU. However, this proposal faces political resistance in the UK, as it resembles aspects of the pre-Brexit freedom of movement, albeit in a more limited form.
Infrastructure developments, such as the new border systems at the Port of Dover, continue as both sides work to adapt to post-Brexit realities. The UK is also considering joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention, which reduces customs duties on certain goods. This could benefit sectors like the automotive industry, though other manufacturers may face increased competition.
Leading the UK's technical negotiations is Michael Ellam, a former Downing Street official from Gordon Brown’s tenure. He heads the newly established “EU Relations Secretariat” within the Cabinet Office, which is central to Starmer’s efforts to rebuild ties with Europe.
Domestically, Starmer faces criticism from both ends of the political spectrum. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused the Labour government of "reopening old divisions" and edging towards EU reintegration, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey argues that the UK should be pushing to rejoin the customs union.
As negotiations continue, the success of Starmer's "reset" strategy will depend on navigating these complex political dynamics both at home and abroad. His visit to Brussels could signal a new chapter in UK-EU relations, focused on collaboration without compromising the key outcomes of Brexit. Photo by charles lecompte, Wikimedia commons.