UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Plans for Resetting UK Relations with the European Union

During a press briefing at the NATO Summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to reset the UK’s relations with the European Union. Starmer emphasized the need to move away from an inward-looking approach post-Brexit. He stated, “It’s about a reset of our relations. I think for very many people, there was a sense after Brexit that the UK have become too inward looking.”

Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide election victory, has ruled out rejoining the EU but expressed a desire for a closer relationship with Brussels. He recently met with Estonian premier Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s new chief diplomat, during the Nato summit, signaling efforts to reset relationships with EU and non-EU countries alike.

Support from US President Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden has voiced support for Starmer’s ambitions to bring the UK closer to the European Union. Biden, a critic of the Brexit deal, sees the UK as a crucial link in the transatlantic alliance and emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the UK and Europe. During their meeting, Biden stated, “I kind of see you guys as the knot tying the transatlantic alliance together, the closer you are with Europe. We know where you are, you know where we are.”

Engagement Across the UK and Beyond

To strengthen ties within the UK, Starmer embarked on a tour across all regions, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which have faced tensions due to Brexit-related issues. He plans to meet with the presidents of Ireland and France to discuss pressing issues such as the war in Ukraine, immigration, and democracy, particularly in the face of the rising far-right movements in Europe.