Following almost a decade of frosty relations between the two parties, the Labour government has expressed the need for closer ties with Europe. Evidence shows the public is receptive to the idea.
Starmer Vocal on Europe
Despite committing to keeping the UK out of the EU and single market, Starmer has been clear about the need for a closer relationship between the two.
Russia Catalyst for Security Ties
We face a common security threat in Russia. Through support for Ukraine and the need to work closely in NATO, the communication between the UK and EU member states has been frequent.
Starmer to Reset Relationship With EU
It is likely to be a long process. Still, Starmer has said he wants to reset our relationship with Europe, starting with security and border controls.
Border Controls Key to Immigration
Immigration has climbed since we left the EU. This is in part because we left the Dublin 3 Regulation, which forced asylum seekers to return to the first EU country they entered.
EU Not Obliged to Help Our Immigration Problem
Having left the Dublin 3 Regulation, EU countries are not obligated to take back asylum seekers, which makes the problem more significant than it used to be.
Relationship Building Has Started
Recently, the new Minister for European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds travelled to Brussels today to meet with EU Commission Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič.
Widespread Talks Taking Place
According to the government’s website, UK Ministers have held introductory calls with EU counterparts – Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen being the most important.
Early Path to Trade Talks
Talks on potential future trade might eventually be on the cards after Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds held a call with Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.
Starmer on New Relationship
The Prime Minister said: “We cannot let the challenges of the recent past define our relationships of the future. That is why European security will be at the forefront of this government’s foreign and defence priorities, and why I am focused on seizing this moment to renew our relationship with Europe.”
Widespread Benefits to Better Relations
Further than just making a political ally, the whole nation would benefit from better relations with the EU.
Talking Helps to Solve Problems
Through dialogue, not argument, is how progress is made on issues that have hindered UK growth and progression since leaving the EU.
Smoothing Trade Key
The red tape involved with buying and selling goods on the continent is a big hit to the UK. What was once a seamless process is now bound with costs and red tape, which hurts trade.
Security Ties Important
Alongside the apparent threat from Russia, we need a tighter relationship with the EU so we can share intelligence and information on criminal gangs.
Beating Smuggling Gangs Reduces Immigration
A vital part of the Labour approach to reducing illegal immigration is to smash the smuggling gangs operating on the continent. To do that, we need closer security ties with European partners.
UK Public Receptive
According to YouGov, the UK population favours closer ties with the EU. The data shows that the country’s attitudes towards our EU relationship have been steadily warming for years.
Britain Regrets Brexit
In a recent poll, 57% of the UK now believes it was a mistake to leave the EU, perhaps explaining the change in attitudes.
Government Making Things Better
This new friendly approach may work best for both – we stay out of the EU but form closer ties with the bloc to ease trade security concerns.
Pettiness in the Past
Pettiness from eurosceptics such as Mark Francois and the like helped to sour relations previously. Now, that is in the past, and we can move on.
Grown-Up Approach Seeming to Work
The new, more grown-up approach to working with the Europeans is working well. So far, all of the commentary from both sides is positive, so let’s hope it continues and works for all of our benefit.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ink Drop.