Sir Keir Starmer is on his way to Brussels to participate in a meeting with European Union leaders – marking the first time a British Prime Minister has engaged in such a meeting since Brexit. The discussions will primarily focus on defense and security cooperation, including a scheduled meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Starmer refers to this as a "reset" in UK-EU relations.
The UK has pledged not to rejoin the EU's single market or customs union or adopt freedom of movement. However, the government aims to enhance collaboration in defense, security, crime, and trade, with plans to finalize these discussions at a UK-EU summit in April or May.
The EU leaders will convene for an "informal retreat" at the historic Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine and the reemergence of Donald Trump in the US presidency. With discussions revolving around defense responsibilities and trade, UK's alignment with the EU's strategies is under consideration, which includes potential collaboration on organized crime, trade facilitation, and energy cooperation.
Key topics of negotiation include mutual recognition of professional qualifications, promoting touring musicians' mobility, and exploring a youth mobility scheme within the UK and EU. Despite interest from various EU members, the controversial scheme, resembling freedom of movement, faces political resistance in the UK due to potential implications for migration proportions and economic competition.
The ongoing technical negotiations are spearheaded by Michael Ellam, overseeing the "EU Relations Secretariat" within the Cabinet Office. As the talks progress, Starmer navigates political pressures from various factions, including criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accuses the Labour government of reopening past divisions for a potential return to the EU.