UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Neil Kinnock, ex-Labour leader, urged Keir Starmer to end the UK’s “cycle of hesitation” with the EU as pressure mounts on Labour to strengthen trade ties with Europe.
The former Labour leader, Welsh politician Neil Kinnock, emphasized the need for the government to show more willingness for a closer relationship with the European Union.
What did Neil Kinnock say about building ties with the EU?
Neil Kinnock stated Labour must end its “cycle of hesitation” and take bold steps toward pursuing a stronger bond with the European Union.
Mr. Kinnock called for the government to show its commitment to working closely with the EU while acknowledging that the idea of a reset is positive but urging tangible actions.
He stated,
“But we await the action that would give meaning to the words. There’s a real opportunity to rebuild trust and secure practical agreements on trade, security, youth mobility and regulatory cooperation and alignment – but instead, we seem to be stuck in a cycle of hesitation.”
Mr. Kinnock expressed concerns over the use of “red lines” before negotiations have started, stressing that serious discussions should leave room for potential mutual agreements that would benefit both sides.
What did Lib Dem leader Ed Davey say about the UK’s trade with the EU?
The Labour Party is facing growing pressure from the Liberal Democrats for a customized customs union with the EU, similar to Turkey’s deal as a model for Britain.
In a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the leader of the Liberal Democrats has urged her to order the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to review the economic impact of the proposed agreement.
He stated in his letter that businesses and voters deserve clear transparency regarding the advantages of closer trade ties with Europe. Mr. Davey continued,
“The chancellor is tying herself in knots trying to think up new ways to grow our economy, but there’s a solution right under her nose.”
The Lib Dem leader slammed the previous Conservative government, arguing that their mishandled trade deal has caused years of damage. He suggested that a new approach would improve access to Europe’s markets and boost economic growth.
Mr Davey said that the updated projections on the economic effects of a customs union agreement should be published together with the OBR’s report, which will be presented with Rachel Reeves‘ spring budget in March. He urged Keir Starmer to bring the matter up at Monday’s meeting in Brussels with European Union leaders. The OBR had earlier estimated a 4% decline in the British economy over 15 years due to Brexit.
How did Tory Dominic Grieve react to the government’s EU reset?
The former Attorney General of the Conservatives, Dominic Grieve, criticized the government’s approach to resetting ties with the EU, arguing it risks failing due to its lack of “vision and boldness” necessary for success.
He added, “Opportunities are there for the taking. The ball is in our court, but so far, the government’s piecemeal sectoral approach falls short.”
What is Keir Starmer’s approach to shaping UK-EU relations?
Keir Starmer is travelling to Brussels on Monday for a dinner with EU leaders, where he intends to secure a security and defence deal with the bloc. This marks the first such summit attended by a British prime minister since Brexit.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been advocating for a ‘reset’ with the EU as part of their efforts to drive economic growth. Despite this, Downing Street has refrained from supporting initiatives like enhanced mobility for young Europeans, due to concerns over Brexit compromises.
Last November, Keir Starmer’s Cabinet office also advised a seat for the position of hiring an EU negotiator in a bid to reset relations with the EU.
The EU’s new trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, suggested that a “pan-European area” could be considered in future during the UK-EU negotiations.
A representative from the Treasury stated, “We are committed to resetting our relationship with our European partners – our nearest and largest trading partners – to drive growth and support business while working together for peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.”