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Starmer wanted to focus his talks on security, migration and
trade. He was due to hold talks with the leaders of the bloc’s
main institutions: European Commission President Ursula von der
Leyen, EU Council President Charles Michel and European
Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
“The U.K. 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 said in a statement released by his
office ahead of the one-day trip.
Starmer said that he is “determined to put the Brexit years
behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship
with the European Union.”
Better cooperation, he said, “will deliver the benefits the
British people deserve — securing our borders, keeping us safe
and boosting economic growth.”
The EU, for its part, wants to build bridges between young
people on either side of the English Channel by introducing a
scheme that would allow young EU and U.K. citizens to study,
work and live for short periods in the U.K. and the EU
respectively. Supporters of Brexit oppose it.
Since his center-left Labour Party’s resounding election win on
July 4, Starmer has sought a larger role for Britain on the
global stage after years of soured relations with Europe over
Brexit.
He has vowed to reduce some of the post-Brexit barriers for
people and goods that have undermined ties between Britain and
the bloc. Starmer insists though that he won’t reverse Brexit,
or rejoin the EU’s single market and customs union.
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