With the newly elected Labour government, relations between the United Kingdom and Europe have seen renewed hope for collaboration and reconciliation. While opportunities for stronger ties are emerging, navigating the challenges will require a deft handling of both foreign and domestic interests.
A New Approach to European Relations
The warming of British-European relations began with Keir Starmer's promise to reset the relationship with the European Union. Starmer's leadership assures the abandonment of the controversial "Rwanda scheme" by the previous Conservative government, which strained relations with European allies. Moreover, he signaled sustained British respect for the European Council of Human Rights, fostering aspirations for closer collaboration. However, the more profound implications of this EU reset will manifest in upcoming negotiations with Brussels, further complicated by an impending Trump presidency in the United States.
Starmer’s Goals and Challenges
Prime Minister Starmer has asserted that Britain will neither rejoin the EU nor the internal European market during his lifetime.
The UK’s reset aims focus on economics, free movement, and defense, stopping short of reversing Brexit.
A significant stride in the "European reset" is a recent post-Brexit fishing agreement that secures £360 million in opportunities for British fishing fleets. Despite this progress, tensions persist, with the EU requesting access for European fishermen to British waters, causing concern among domestic fishing and conservation groups.
There is a mutual interest in reviving British membership in the Erasmus exchange program, which enables students to study abroad in member states. With existing youth mobility schemes with Japan and Australia, the prospect of a similar EU arrangement is conceivable. However, Starmer's government has not committed to rejoining Erasmus, while Brussels continues to advocate for its inclusion in discussions.
Defence and Trade
Talks of increased defense collaboration between Europe and Britain are among the smoother topics. The ongoing war in Ukraine and uncertainties regarding the new U.S. administration strengthen the case for enhanced mutual security partnerships.
One of the more complex EU desires is the renegotiation of the Brexit agreement, especially the "Trade and Cooperation Agreement" (TCA), a free trade agreement concluded in 2020. While the review of the TCA is due in 2026, substantive changes remain to be seen. Starmer has expressed interest in revisiting the deal, but meaningful revisions are contingent on fulfilling EU objectives in other areas.
The Implications of U.S. Relations
With Donald Trump being elected as the U.S. president once again, the dynamics of the UK's relationship with Europe could face new challenges. Stephen Moore, an ally of Trump, claimed that the UK might have to choose between the U.S. "special relationship" and closer ties with the EU. Prime Minister Starmer, however, assured that the UK need not choose between the two. The uncertainty surrounding Trump's administration's stance on a Britain more aligned with Europe could complicate the European reset. While Starmer maintains no choice is necessary, the reality of maintaining strong relationships with both the U.S. and EU may dictate otherwise.
As Keir Starmer navigates these challenges, he must ensure that Britain remains balanced in its commitments to both transatlantic partnerships and regional cooperation.