Starmer In Berlin To 'Turn The Corner On Brexit'
The UK is ready to begin talks on a new cooperation treaty with Germany as the Labour administration seeks to “reset” relations with Europe.
Sir Keir Starmer, who is in Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said the agreement was part of an effort to “turn a corner on Brexit”.
Downing Street stated that the deal would encompass topics such as energy security, technology, and research.
It also stated that it will encompass access to each other’s markets and cross-North Sea trade.
After Berlin, Sir Keir will go to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and attend the Paralympics‘ opening ceremony.
No. 10 said it anticipated the new pact with Germany could be signed by early next year
Although concrete plans have not been published, conversations regarding expanding market access are expected to center on issues such as assisting firms in certifying their products and offering more information about tenders.
Downing Street noted that it would build on a defence agreement between the two countries that is now being negotiated and is expected to be concluded in the autumn.
That agreement, unveiled last month, saw the two countries commit to purchasing more military equipment together and making it easier for each other’s militaries to utilize it, as well as increasing cooperation in areas like as cyber warfare.
Sir Keir has promised to strengthen economic ties with Europe, including a “much better” trade pact than the one secured by Boris Johnson in late 2020.
His Labour government hopes to reach agreements with the EU to eliminate border checks on food items, simplify paperwork for touring musicians, and improve recognition of job qualifications, making it easier for some professionals to work abroad.
It also intends to negotiate a security arrangement with the EU and a new return agreement for unsuccessful asylum seekers.
It is uncertain whether Brussels will consider major revisions to the UK’s current Brexit trade pact, which is set to be revisited in 2026.
Downing Street said the prime minister and Mr Scholz would discuss cooperation measures to combat illegal migration, including the exchange of intelligence on smuggling gangs.
Nils Schmid, foreign affairs spokesperson for Mr Scholz’s Social Democratic Party, stated that the two leaders were “more or less on the same page” in their desire for a deeper partnership between the UK and the EU.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today program that Germany hoped to promote UK-EU collaboration on matters such as trade, student mobility, and military.
Mr. Schmid stated that a strategy to make it simpler for young Germans to study in the UK was a “major feature of our wish list.”.
He maintained that such a strategy would not be about “general immigration,” but rather “short-term stays” for educational programs, student exchanges, or work experiences.
However, the Labour government has stated that there are no plans to implement a program that would allow young people from EU countries to live and work in the UK in exchange for young Britons doing the same in Europe.
Prior to the visit, Sir Keir stated that the UK had a “once in a generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe.”.
He stated that cooperation with Germany and France would be “crucial” in terms of migration and economic growth in the UK.
“We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government,” she said.
Sir Keir will meet Mr. Scholz, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the CEOs of energy engineering major Siemens Energy and defence firm Rheinmetall, which manufactures vehicles for the British Army.
