Starmer travels to Brussels for talks to ‘put Brexit years behind us’
Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Brussels on Wednesday to hold talks with EU leaders about “putting the Brexit years behind us” and bolstering ties with the UK.
The prime minister has vowed to “reset” relations with Europe following tensions between the previous Tory government and the EU – though he has ruled out a return to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement.
Downing Street said Sir Keir will be focused on delivering a “broad-based security pact” with the bloc, as well as tackling barriers to trade.
In discussions with the likes of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he will say that at a time of growing instability in the world, it is important that “like-minded countries cooperate more closely on areas of shared interest”.
Ahead of the meeting, the prime minister said: “The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important – with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.
“We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.
“Better cooperation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve – securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.”
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Starmer ‘won’t reverse’ Brexit
No concrete announcements are expected from the talks, which will also include meetings with European Council President Charles Michel and the European Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola.
The European Commission said the discussions with Ms von der Leyen would be “the beginning of a conversation” about closer ties.
Sir Keir is under pressure to agree to Brussels’ calls for a deal on youth mobility to allow young EU citizens greater flexibility to come to the UK to study and work and vice versa.
This is something the prime minister has so far resisted, saying red lines for the reset rule out a return of freedom of movement, alongside rejoining the customs union and single market.
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Before the talks, pro-EU campaigners pushed for a rethink, accusing the government of “letting young people down”.
Sir Nick Harvey, chief executive of European Movement UK, said: “Dismissing the idea of reciprocal youth mobility simply means letting down British young people, who face all sorts of economic difficulties and have seen their horizons curtailed by Brexit.
“Young people want and deserve the chance to study or work in Europe. The government owes it to them to make sure they get that chance.”
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Cal Roscow, from the Best for Britain campaign, said: “Brexit robbed young Brits of irreplaceable opportunities to experience new cultures, meet new people and learn new languages while working, travelling and studying in Europe.
“The new government has the chance to give these formative experiences back to young Brits, with this universally popular scheme that the European Commission is already open to agreeing.”
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Politics
Trump campaign co-manager calls Lord Peter Mandelson an ‘absolute moron’ as peer is confirmed as Starmer’s new US ambassador
The co-manager for Donald Trump’s presidential election campaign has called Lord Mandelson an “absolute moron” – as the peer was officially announced as the next UK ambassador to the US.
The Labour grandee, who served in Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s cabinets, will become the UK’s top diplomat in Washington as president-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House in January.
In a post on X, Chris LaCivita linked to an article in The Daily Telegraph which reported on Lord Mandelson describing Mr Trump as “a danger to the world”.
The peer also described Mr Trump as “little short of a white nationalist and racist” during an interview with an Italian journalist in 2019, according to the newspaper.
In the post on X, Mr LaCivita said: “This UK govt is special replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron – he should stay home! SAD!”
He added: “Mandelson described Trump as a danger to the world and ‘little short of a white nationalist’.”
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the appointment of Lord Mandelson to the post.
The 71-year-old said: “We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities and it will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation’s security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States.”
The prime minister said: “The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength.”
Analysis:
Lord Mandelson’s trade background key to pivotal role
Return of ‘Prince of Darkness’ will leave Labour lefties furious
Chris LaCivita, co-manager of Donald Trump’s election campaign. Pic: Reuters
Sir Keir also thanked outgoing US ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, who will leave the post at the beginning of next year.
“I would also like to thank Dame Karen Pierce for her invaluable service for the last four years, and in particular the wisdom and steadfast support she has given me personally since July,” he said.
“She made history as the first woman to serve as UK ambassador to the US and she has been an outstanding representative of our country abroad. I wish her all the very best in future.”
Lord Mandelson was one of the key architects of New Labour and helped the party return to power in the 1990s.
He served as Sir Tony’s trade secretary and Northern Ireland secretary before standing down as an MP in 2004 to become a European Commissioner.
After Mr Brown awarded him a peerage in 2008 Lord Mandelson returned to government as business secretary.
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