UK PM Starmer Travels to Brussels for EU Talks
UK PM Starmer Travels to Brussels for EU Talks
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.
The Prime Minister's office has stated in a press release that the trip was to "move beyond Brexit" and agree to a "broad based security pact" including trade and border protection. The statement also claimed the UK will not return to the single market, the customs union, or return to freedom of movement.A press release from von der Leyen and Starmer claimed the two agreed to an "agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace," whilst also announcing the intention to host "regular" EU-UK Summits "ideally" beginning in early 2025.
The Spin
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 to the detriment of EU citizens.
