UK PM Starmer heads to Brussels in bid to improve EU relations

Visit is part of leader's plan to 'reset' relations with bloc

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the UN in New York on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. PA

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to “put the Brexit years behind us” during a trip to Brussels on Wednesday as he seeks a closer relationship with the European Union.

Mr Starmer is hoping for a better trading relationship and greater co-operation on defence and security.

Brussels is putting pressure on the UK to agree to its calls for a deal on youth mobility which would allow young EU citizens greater freedom to come to the country to study and work and vice versa, something Mr Starmer has so far resisted.

The Prime Minister will hold separate meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and the European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during his visit.

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“The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners,” Mr Starmer said before the trip.

“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 co-operation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve – securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.”

No firm announcements are expected from what is the first formal meeting between Mr Starmer and the Brussels chiefs as part of his plan to reset UK-EU relations.

The European Commission said the meeting with Ms von der Leyen would be “the beginning of a conversation”.

The Prime Minister’s red lines for the reset rule out a return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement.

But pro-EU campaigners have pushed for him to give ground on a youth mobility scheme, something he has so far said he has “no plans” to agree to.

“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,” Sir Nick Harvey, chief executive of European Movement UK, said.

“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.”

Cal Roscow, from Best for Britain, 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.”