London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK’s new European Union relations minister is leading to Brussels to highlight the Labour Government’s pledge to “reset the relationship” with the union.
How Is the UK Planning to Improve EU Relations?
Nick Thomas-Symonds is meeting European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic for their foremost face-to-face talks on Monday to “set the foundation for further talks” on deepening ties, according to the Cabinet Office. It comes ahead of the European Political Community meeting Sir Keir Starmer is hosting at Blenheim Palace later this week.
The Prime Minister will accommodate 45 leaders from neighbouring nations on Thursday as he seeks to forge an enterprising new UK-EU security pact to strengthen collaboration and closer work on defence with key partners such as France and Germany. The Labour administration wants to restore the damage to relations with Europe driven by the Brexit wrangles and strike a better deal with the European Union than the “botched” trade deal signed by Boris Johnson.
Why Did the UK Create a New EU Relations Minister Role?
In a sign of the priority placed on European diplomacy, Sir Keir handed Mr Thomas-Symonds the newly-created position of EU relations minister entrusted with leading discussions and resetting the connection. The minister was also an element of Sir Keir’s delegation to last week’s Nato gathering in Washington.
What Are the Goals of the UK’s New EU Relations Minister?
Ahead of his Brussels journey, Mr Thomas-Symonds stated: “Our Government is dedicated to resetting the connection with the European Union, to strengthen relations, reinforce our security and tackle trade barriers. The EU and Member States are among the UK’s closest friends and allies. With war in Europe, and shared international challenges, in areas such as climate change and illegal migration, a powerful UK – EU alliance is important.
How Will Nick Thomas-Symonds Strengthen the UK-EU Partnership?
“I am looking forward to meeting the Executive Vice President in Brussels today, it was a pleasure to speak to him immediately after my appointment last week. I expect to be engaging with him and EU colleagues much more in the coming months, as we work together to help make our continent safer and more prosperous.”
Mr Sefcovic stated: “The EU and the UK are near neighbours, partners, and supporters, sharing values as well as global challenges. I am looking forward to welcoming Minister Thomas-Symonds to discuss methods to strengthen our partnership while making the most of our existing contracts that form the cornerstone of our alliance.”
One problem that could be a sticking point in talks with Brussels is the European Commission’s recommendation for a youth mobility scheme for 18 to 30-year-olds, which would permit young Britons to reposition to the EU to work and live for four years, with the UK predicted to offer the same in return. Before the election, Labour abandoned the possibility of an EU-wide scheme, saying the party would “seek to enhance the UK’s working relationship with the EU within our red lines – no return to the single market, customs union or free movement”.