Keir Starmer’s Charm Offensive in Brussels: A New Chapter in UK-EU Relations

In a bid to mend the often fraught relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, Labour leader Keir Starmer embarked on a diplomatic mission to Brussels yesterday. His visit, characterized as a "charm offensive," aimed to establish a more stable and constructive partnership with the EU, a goal he articulated clearly: “We’re putting our relationship with Europe on a more solid, stable footing. That’s what British people want,” he told reporters.

The Context of Starmer’s Visit

Starmer’s approach to Europe has evolved significantly since he first entered the political arena. In 2018, he garnered support from many Labour members by advocating for a second referendum to potentially reverse Brexit. However, after Boris Johnson’s decisive victory in the 2019 general election, which was largely framed around the promise to "get Brexit done," Starmer shifted his stance, declaring the issue of Brexit effectively closed.

In Labour’s recent general election manifesto, the party committed to re-establishing the UK as a "leading nation in Europe," aiming for an ambitious relationship with European partners. However, this ambition comes with clear limitations: Labour has ruled out rejoining the single market, the customs union, or revisiting the contentious issue of freedom of movement.

Insights from Brussels

To delve deeper into the implications of Starmer’s meetings with EU leaders, I spoke with Jennifer Rankin, the Guardian’s Brussels correspondent. She highlighted the significance of Starmer’s visit, noting that after years of tension following the Brexit referendum and the protracted negotiations that ensued, there is a palpable sense of optimism in Brussels regarding Labour’s warmer approach. “There is enthusiasm and people are pleased that Keir Starmer wants to set a pro-European tone,” she remarked.

Starmer’s familiarity with EU structures, stemming from his previous role as shadow Brexit secretary and his academic background in European human rights law, positioned him well for these discussions. He met with key EU figures, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council Chair Charles Michel, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, signaling a serious commitment from the UK side.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive atmosphere, Rankin cautioned that significant hurdles remain. One of the primary sticking points is the EU’s interest in establishing a youth mobility agreement, which would allow a limited number of young people to travel to the UK for work or study. While such arrangements exist with countries like Australia and Canada, Labour has been hesitant to entertain the idea, fearing it could be perceived as a form of "free movement"—a concept that played a crucial role in the Brexit vote.

Starmer acknowledged that discussions on this topic were preliminary, focusing more on "setting the parameters, setting the tone" rather than delving into specifics. However, Rankin emphasized that a youth mobility scheme could serve as a tangible step towards improving UK-EU relations, providing both sides with something concrete to show for their efforts.

A Focus on Foreign Policy

Rather than prioritizing youth exchanges, Labour is keen to initiate discussions on foreign and security policy as a foundation for rebuilding ties with the EU. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has already engaged with several EU counterparts, expressing a desire to collaborate on shared goals, including climate change and support for Ukraine.

Rankin noted that many EU diplomats are receptive to the idea of a foreign and security pact, which had been part of Theresa May’s Brexit negotiations before being abandoned by Boris Johnson. However, she stressed that the UK would need to present more concrete proposals to move forward, as there is a general expectation for detailed plans rather than vague intentions.

Labour’s Red Lines

Labour’s ambitions for a closer economic relationship with the EU are constrained by self-imposed red lines. The party has firmly rejected the idea of rejoining the single market or customs union, which limits its negotiating power. Even proposals for mutual recognition of professional qualifications or veterinary agreements—both of which could ease trade and movement—are fraught with complexity and would require extensive negotiations.

Rankin pointed out that while the EU has been open to such discussions with non-member states, the process is often lengthy and complicated. The EU’s insistence on maintaining the integrity of the single market poses a significant challenge for Labour’s aspirations, as any perceived "a la carte" approach could undermine the EU’s foundational principles.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Yet Cautious Outlook

As Keir Starmer concluded his visit to Brussels, he left with a sense of rekindled friendship and optimism. However, the path ahead is laden with challenges, and the detailed work of negotiation is yet to begin. While there is hope for a better relationship between the UK and the EU, the limitations imposed by Labour’s red lines will undoubtedly shape the nature of future discussions.

Jennifer Rankin encapsulated the sentiment in Brussels: “Against all the difficulty and the complexity of all these issues, broadly people are appreciative of this new prime minister and hopeful that it could mean a better relationship.” As the UK navigates this new chapter, the stakes are high, and the outcome will be closely watched by both sides of the Channel.