The frosty relationship between the UK and Europe could soon start to thaw, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer promises more cooperation with our European neighbours.
Challenging Times
The need for a close working relationship with Europe is more significant than ever; now, we face a common security threat in Russia.
United Against Russian Threat
Starmer said: “Russia’s barbaric war continues to reverberate across our continent. We cannot be spectators in this chapter of history. We must do more and go further, not just for the courageous Ukrainians on the frontlines.”
Ukraine Set to Benefit
If two of its biggest supporters work together more productively, it could ensure more weapons and security for Ukraine.
War With Russia Ongoing
As the war continues past the two-year mark, the weapon requirements aren’t decreasing. Russia continues to attack, and Ukraine continues to fight back with Western weapon support.
Why Starmer Wants More Cooperation
As Prime Minister, Keir Starmer understands the benefits of closer ties with the EU. Tightening the bond has several benefits.
UK Problems Made Worse
Since leaving the EU, many of the problems we face as a nation have been made significantly worse. A closer relationship might help to solve them.
Immigration Challenges
Illegal immigration has become a bigger problem since the UK left the EU. The UK is no longer part of the Dublin III Regulation, which allowed asylum seekers to return to the first EU country they entered.
Closer Ties Might Help
There’s some optimism that some of the immigration issues can be fixed by rebuilding bridges with the EU.
Labour Shortages Addressed
Many sectors, such as agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare, have experienced acute labour shortages due to reduced EU workers. The shortages have a lasting impact on the UK economy.
EU Immigration Can Be Improved
By welcoming more skilled workers from the EU, we can help fill many of the country’s skills gaps. Making EU immigration smoother will benefit us significantly.
Trade Still Problematic
Despite several years of ironing out the issues, trade with the continent is still tricky, requiring more paperwork and red tape to send and receive goods.
Hopes Trade Will Improve
A more cooperative relationship between the two parties could improve trade deals and make them smoother, boosting the UK economy and helping to improve trade.
The Promise of Closer Working Relationship
Starmer continued: “I said I would change the way the UK engages with our European partners, working collaboratively to drive forward progress on these generational challenges,and that work starts at the European Political Community meeting.”
Nonsensical Battle Lines Drawn Previously
There’s a difference between wanting to leave the EU and being purposely antagonistic towards it. Too frequently, Tory MPs’ rhetoric towards the EU was negative.
Working Relationship Broke Down
The tough negotiations and narratives from prominent Brexiteers caused the relationship to largely break down for a while.
Sunak Remedied Things
Diplomats noted that under Sunak, there was a warming in the dialogue between the two parties.
EU Worries Abated
There’s a narrative from some people on the right saying Starmer will take us back into the EU. He has denied this several times, however.
Government Identifying Areas of Cooperation
Downing Street said in a statement: “The UK government will use the summit to discuss closer collaboration to tackle illegal immigration and greater security cooperation with European counterparts to keep Britain safe.”
Suggestions for Further Ties In Future
There’s a suggestion of arranging a new youth mobility scheme and possible mutual recognition of some professional qualifications to help with labour.
Making Things Smoother Benefits Us All
Regardless of your personal opinion of Brexit, there’s no doubt that working more effectively with our closest trading partners will be of benefit to us all.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Aidan Calderbank.