UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour aims for a quick Brexit reset, with Keir Starmer pushing for a three-month negotiation timeline to improve trade, security, and boost EU cooperation.
The British Prime Minister’s top Brexit negotiator insists that Britain must adopt a “hard-nosed pragmatism” in Brexit reset discussions and secure a bold agreement in three months.
What did the UK’s European affairs minister, Nick Thomas announce about the Brexit reset summit?
While speaking at the EU/UK Forum in Brussels, European Affairs Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds revealed that the Prime Minister will lead a summit in May, where leaders aim to secure a balanced and ambitious Brexit agreement for citizens.
Mr. Thomas-Symonds, who is serving in the Cabinet Office, outlined a tough agenda while preparing for the upcoming initial negotiations with EU representatives.
He stated, “We can do better,” pointing out the “unnecessary obstacles to trade” and the lack of effective collaboration on the migration crisis.
Nick Thomas-Symonds highlighted Keir Starmer’s intention for Britain to enhance its role more significantly in European defence partnerships as part of the discussions. However, he added that economic issues should also be given more attention.
He added,
“It is obvious to me, as I am sure it is to all of you, but at a time of such intense global change, the UK and the EU have many mutually aligned interests and challenges.”
How are Rachel Reeves and Ursula von der Leyen tackling the UK’s challenges, according to Nick Thomas?
Mr Thomas reiterated the need for achieving greater prosperity, stronger security, and protecting citizens, referencing how Chancellor Rachel Reeves and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen had powerfully addressed these collective challenges.
He added,
“In her growth speech last week, the Chancellor acknowledged the economic challenges, stating that growth requires a fight and decisive government action to unlock the country’s potential, which has long been held back.”
The minister for European affairs also pointed out opportunities to improve the status quo, supporting Business Europe’s report on trade and investment barriers, and urging stronger EU-UK ties to benefit firms and citizens.
How does Thomas-Symonds plan to strengthen UK-EU security and cooperation?
Nick Thomas-Symonds stressed the need to ensure security and crack down on organized crime, criticizing the former Conservative government for its “flawed” Rwanda policy and accusing them of weakening ties with EU allies.
He stated,
“The UK and EU share key interests, and I aim to strengthen these for a more secure, safer, and prosperous future.”
What did Keir Starmer say about the UK-EU security collaboration?
Keir Starmer expressed a desire for an “ambitious security cooperation” with the EU, stressing that the UK does not have to choose between the US or Europe.
On February 3, the Prime Minister joined a dinner with EU leaders in Brussels to negotiate security and defence, marking the first time a British leader has attended a European Council session since the UK exited from the EU five years ago.
The 70-minute dinner took place at the Palais d’Egmont in central Brussels, a historic location where Edward Heath signed the 1972 treaty to admit Britain into the European Economic Community.
Mr Starmer stated that the UK does not have to pick between the EU and the US.
After dinner, Keir Starmer urged EU leaders for an increased UK-EU partnership on security issues to tackle state threats and sabotage, referring to recent damage to subsea cables linked to Russia and China.
In the past, the prime minister has made it clear that enhancing defence ties within NATO’s framework is key to his vision for rebuilding the Britain-EU relationship.