London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed rejoining the European Union as he seated with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
How Does Starmer Plan to Reset UK-EU Relations Without Rejoining?
On a two-day stay to Europe, Starmer stated he wanted to “reset” the UK’s relations with the EU.”That does not mean switching Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union, but it does suggest a closer connection on several fronts,” he stated at a press conference after talks with Scholz.
The German leader accommodated Starmer’s bid to improve British-EU relations given Britain was indispensable to cracking the big issues affecting Europe.” I am glad that Keir Starmer has announced that he will seek a fresh start in relations with the EU,” Scholz said. We want to take this outstretched hand.”
Why Has Starmer Dismissed the Idea of Rejoining the Single Market or Customs Union?
Starmer rejected a “youth mobility scheme” which would permit young Europeans to work visa-free in the UK and vice versa. “With youth mobility, we’ve been clear – no single market, no customs union, no free movement, no going back into the EU,” he said. “So the discussion about a close association with the EU is in that context and within those frameworks.”
He also conveyed his condolences over the deadly knife raid in the western German city of Solingen on Friday. Starmer was hoping to discuss with Scholz, a fellow leftist, a new deal they hope will bring about an unparalleled degree of bilateral military cooperation and greater cooperation in areas such as trade and energy.
What Does the UK-Germany Defense Pact Potentially Involve?
Britain and Germany, NATO partners and Western Europe’s biggest defence spenders are examining for ways to increase defence alliance ahead of a possible scaling about of US military support for Ukraine if ex-US president Donald Trump returns to the White House early next year.
The Republican presidential candidate has cautioned that if elected, he would fundamentally rethink “NATO’s goal and NATO’s mission”. Trump has also not dedicated to sending further aid to Ukraine and expressed he would not defend allies that do not raise their defence budgets.
An Anglo-German defence cooperation could resemble the Lancaster House pact between Britain and France decided in 2010, according to officials, with promises to create a joint force and share tools and nuclear missile research centres.
The two sides will persist in negotiations over the next six months to complete the contract early next year, according to Starmer’s office. It would pursue the signing of a joint defence declaration in July. While in Germany, Starmer will also hold discussions with business leaders including Armin Papperger, chief executive of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.