Government to seek global trade deals for UK at expense of formal EU re-entry
GuardianAug 24
UK: Starmer Travels to Brussels for EU Talks
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Above: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, during his visit to the European Commission headquarters on Oct. 2, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. Image copyright: Benjamin Cremel/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Brussels on Wednesday to hold meetings with European Commission Pres. Ursula von der Leyen, European Council Pres. Charles Michel, and European Parliament Pres. Roberta Metsola.
A press release from von der Leyen and Starmer claimed the two agreed to an "agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace," while also announcing the intention to host "regular" EU-UK Summits "ideally" beginning in early 2025.
The Spin
Left narrative
Handicapped by Boris Johnson's disastrous Brexit deal and with no intention of returning to the single market or customs union, Starmer's options for revitalizing the UK's European relationship are limited but absolutely necessary for the country's success. Steps such as rejoining the European Economic Area would be an important message to not only the EU but also the entire world that the UK is back in business.
Right narrative
Starmer's gleeful rekindling of a close-knit UK-EU relationship blatantly betrays the will of the British people who voted to leave the European bloc eight years ago. Despite the country's clear rejection of European bureaucracy, it's likely that the UK government will give in to a host of damaging concessions in order for Starmer to fulfill his Eurocentric dreams.
Pro-establishment narrative
The UK's desire for a reset in relations with the EU will be easier said than done. Starmer and his government may well seek concessions from their poorly negotiated withdrawal agreement, but they are unlikely to see any progress until the UK fully honors several provisions that continue to be unlawfully ignored and accepts key pillars of European society such as free movement and the single market.
