During the campaign, Keir Starmer said that he would not reopen the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union (EU), but the new head of Government wants to respond to the concerns of 70% of the inhabitants of the United Kingdom, who say that Brexit It has made their lives worse.
At Stonemanor, one of Belgium’s most popular British stores, customers are aware that there is no turning back from Brexit even after Thursday’s general election in the United Kingdomwho gave the victory for labor (center-left), led by Keir Starmer.
But speaking to Euronews, some Britons living in the country that hosts the EU’s main institutions said they hope the deal will materialise. starmer promise about what will try to improve the country’s relations with the European Unionwhich came out in 2020.
“For example, when you go on a study trip to the United Kingdom, you have to pay for a passport and it is not so easy because it costs a lot of money. That would be a reason to just get rid of Brexit, because for culture and tourism it would produce many gains for the economy,” said a young man.
Another customer also said that it was important to have better business relationships, cultural y educationalbut gave priority to healthcare sector: “People should be able to cross the border more easily in search of the best opportunities in medicine and hospitals.”
Red lines and possible areas of enhanced cooperation
The future Labor prime minister will not reopen the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, but he wants to respond to the concern of 70% of the British, who say that Brexit has made their lives worse.
For the negotiations with the EUStarmer has already drawn his Red lines: It does not want to enter the customs union or the single market or restore freedom of movement.
But the doors could be opened to new agreements on veterinary standards and youth mobilityfor example, that could be areas of improvement for both sides, said Charles Grant, director of the Center for European Reform, in an interview with ‘Euronews’.
“Reduce border controls”
“Keir Starmer has already said he wants review health regulations for reduce border controls on food, plants and animalswhich should help farmers, for example, and food importers,” explained the political analyst.
As for the youth mobility planproposed by the European Commission a month ago, there was rejection from both the Government and the opposition, but the file could be reopened. “In the long term, a youth mobility plan is in the plans, as long as it is not presented as free movement through the back door,” said Charles Grant, adding that the same reasoning could apply to consultants and artists.
In a recent reportthe Center for European Reform lists other areas of possible enhanced cooperation with the EU, such as climate action and energy policiesand the financial services. It should be noted that British scientists and researchers once again have access to the EU’s Horizon funding programme.
Another area of cooperation that could be strengthened is the one of the security and defensegiven the war in ukraine and the deterioration of relations with Russia. The leader of the Labor Party had called for a pact to boost foreign policy and defense cooperation with the EU.
“At the moment, the British have no relationship with the EU in these areas, unlike what the EU has with Norway, and even with the United States and Canada. Create some kind of structure in which the British participate in meetings of foreign ministers, heads of government and senior officials to talk about common challenges such as Ukraine is very desirable,” considers the director of the study center.
Keir Starmer will have the opportunity to speak to EU leaders at the meeting of the I’LL TAKE What will be celebrated in Washington the next weekand a few days later during the meeting of the European Political Community in London.
