Sir Keir Starmer's European Union Overtures Meet Cynicism in Brussels After Local Election Setback
Sir Keir Starmer's recent pronouncements on forging closer links with the European Union have been received with a degree of weary cynicism in Brussels, particularly in economic terms. The Labour leader's speech, delivered after considerable local election setbacks, articulated a desire to place "Britain at the heart of Europe" to bolster the economy, trade, and defence.
A former senior British civil servant, Jill Rutter of the UK in a Changing Europe think tank, dismissed Starmer's comments as "a damp squib," noting the absence of "one single new proposal." This sentiment resonates within EU circles regarding economic rapprochement.
Limited Economic Reciprocity
While the UK is seen as a steadfast ally within NATO on defence and security matters, particularly given the current geopolitical landscape encompassing Iran and Ukraine, the prospect of substantial economic re-engagement with the EU faces significant hurdles. Brussels has consistently indicated a willingness for closer ties, provided the UK clearly defines its ambitions. However, the Labour government's discussions on reducing post-Brexit trade barriers have focused on extremely limited sectors, such as a food and drink safety agreement (SPS), a carbon emissions trading agreement, and a youth exchange scheme.
These initiatives are not anticipated to provide a significant boost to the broader UK economy. Furthermore, the EU maintains that full economic benefits, particularly access to its single market in services and goods, necessitate adherence to the free movement of workers – a 'red line' Labour has previously committed not to cross, citing UK voter concerns about immigration. Starmer's recent evasion of questions regarding this stance has led to speculation, but Brussels remains impatient with such ambiguities.
The Cost of Closer Alignment
Any closer alignment with EU regulations, even in limited sectors, requires the UK to accept existing and future EU legislation. This 'pay to play' model is already evident in the UK's participation in the Horizon science programme, costing £2.2 billion annually. Such alignment has prompted Nigel Farage's Reform Party to accuse Labour of attempting to reverse Brexit via incremental steps, which also complicates the UK's ability to forge comprehensive free trade agreements with non-EU nations, including the United States.
An EU diplomat from a nation traditionally close to the UK summarised the sentiment: "The words from UK ministers like the prime minister and the chancellor sound increasingly enthusiastic but the actual steps they take are baby steps. Probably because they are clear, the closer you get back to us, the more we ask from you in return. Do their voters know that?"
