London (Parliament Politics Magzine) – Starmer’s government was criticized for delays in appointing MPs to EU-UK partnership amid Trump’s re-election.
PM Keir Starmer’s government is coming under fire for failing to appoint MPs and peers to the EU-UK inter-parliamentary forum for over four months, intensifying calls for stronger EU ties following Donald Trump’s re-election as US president.
Why are new EU-UK partnership appointments delayed?
In an article for The Observer, MEP Sandro Gozi, newly elected chair of the 70-member UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA), and Stella Creasy MP, chair of Labour Movement for Europe, highlighted the urgency in addressing this appointment gap since the July general election. Without new appointments, the PPA—formed in 2021 to oversee the post-Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement—has been inactive due to the UK’s delay in appointing its 30-delegate team.
How does Trump’s re-election impact EU relations?
Growing pressure to strengthen EU ties spans foreign policy, defense, trade, and immigration, as Trump’s re-election signals potential US tariffs on imports and decreased support for Ukraine, potentially isolating the UK economically and diplomatically from the US and EU on critical issues.
What concerns are voiced by diplomats and MPs?
Senior diplomats and Labour MPs are calling for accelerated efforts by Starmer’s administration to build closer EU alliances. Privately, they express astonishment at the delay in appointments, including new trade envoys, since Labour’s election win. “Whether it’s due to issues at No. 10, I don’t know, but it’s astonishing,” said a source. Another remarked, “With Trump back, things need to change.”
What role could stronger EU relations play?
Peter Ricketts, former UK ambassador to Paris and early UK-EU PPA appointee, urged Starmer to go beyond cautious steps, emphasizing the importance of engaging regularly with EU allies on foreign policy and practical challenges, such as migration and economic collaboration, rather than focusing solely on treaty changes.
How is Trump’s election affecting security and trade?
Creasy warned that Trump’s win amplifies the risks for the UK “going it alone” and underlined the need for proactive EU partnerships to guard against economic, security, and climate shocks. She criticized the government’s inaction, citing the stalled Parliamentary European Scrutiny committee and vacant UK-EU Assembly seats, stressing the urgency of establishing effective EU relations before Trump assumes office.
What changes do Gozi and Creasy suggest?
In their article, Gozi and Creasy argue that the UK’s EU exit not only removed it from a major trading bloc but also distanced it from key security and climate discussions. They noted that the prior UK administration viewed Brexit as a mandate for isolationism, adding barriers under “Global Britain.” The new government, they said, should prioritize collaborative relations with neighbouring nations, and they urged Starmer to fast-track efforts to define this partnership in response to recent developments.