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UK and EU want post-Brexit reset deal to be ‘as ambitious as possible’, No 10 says
Good morning. Keir Starmer emphasizes that the UK need not choose between aligning more closely with the United States or the European Union. This stance presents a challenge for many on the left, who perceive a clear distinction between a nation led by perceived authoritarianism and a coalition of democratic allies. Conversely, the Conservatives advocate that the UK should prioritize its relationship with the US.
However, there are indications that Starmer’s government may be leaning towards the EU. Here are three key recent developments that suggest this shift.
Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, indicated that the UK’s trade ties with the EU might be “arguably even more important” than those with the US. During a BBC interview in Washington, where she is meeting her US counterpart, Scott Bessant, Reeves conveyed her perspective to Faisal Islam:
While I understand the emphasis on our trade relations with the US, it’s crucial to acknowledge that our trade relationship with Europe is arguably even more significant due to their proximity and our historical partnerships.
As I meet with Scott Bessant this week, I have also engaged with finance ministers from France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and Finland. Rebuilding these vital trading relationships with our nearby neighbors is essential, and it’s important that we do so effectively for British jobs and consumers.
While these remarks may seem routine, the qualifier “arguably” is noteworthy, as asserting that EU trade holds greater weight than US trade is simply factual (as evidenced by numerous statistics showing a significant disparity). It’s noteworthy, though, to hear a Labour minister express this viewpoint, particularly in light of the government’s previous caution around emphasizing a pro-EU stance, which complicates the argument often made by Starmer about there being a false dichotomy.
Negotiations for a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU appear to be advancing. Officials have hesitated to adopt the term due to concerns that it may evoke ideas of free movement associated with Brexit. “A youth mobility scheme is not part of our plans,” stated Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office minister tasked with EU relations, during a recent parliamentary session. However, a report from the Times suggests growing government support for such a scheme. Notably, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary who previously opposed the initiative, is now reported to be open to a more limited version, potentially adopting a “one in, one out” mechanism.
Government sources indicate that Cooper would be supportive in principle, provided that the scheme is “capped” to eliminate any possibility of reverting to the unrestricted movement seen before Brexit.
One proposed structure could limit the number of young Europeans residing and working in the UK to no greater than the British individuals moving to Europe, while another option might be to impose a specific numerical cap annually.
Downing Street has signaled that Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen are aiming for an “as ambitious as possible” UK-EU post-Brexit reset deal, to be discussed at an upcoming summit. Following their meeting at No 10, a spokesperson provided insights on their discussions.
The two leaders conducted an extensive dialogue addressing a wide range of topics including Ukraine, energy security, the global economy, and defense. They acknowledged the positive strides made in ongoing negotiations to enhance the UK-EU partnership, directing their teams to ensure that as ambitious a framework as possible is established for the first UK-EU summit in the coming month.
The prime minister reiterated his commitment to seize opportunities for enhancing the lives of working individuals in the UK, promoting economic growth, and ensuring safety. He believes that a strengthened UK-EU partnership will facilitate these goals.
Ordinarily, Downing Street’s updates are quite generic; thus, describing the meeting as “long and productive” hints at a degree of cordiality that invites curiosity. The highlighted ambition for an extensive agreement leaves room for optimism about future collaborations.
Here’s a glance at today’s agenda:
Morning: Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, will join Luke Campbell, the party’s candidate for mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, for campaign events in Hull, followed by activities in Beverley.
9.30am: MPs engage in debates on private members’ bills, opening with Stephen Gethins’ devolution (immigration) (Scotland) bill.
Morning: Kemi Badenoch is scheduled for campaign events in Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.
11.30am: Downing Street will conduct a lobby briefing.
Morning: Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, will be campaigning in Dartford, Kent.
Afternoon: The North Kesteven district council will deliberate on a claim regarding Reform UK’s Andrea Jenkyns’ candidacy for Greater Lincolnshire mayor, related to her registered voting address.
4pm (UK time): Rachel Reeves will continue her meetings with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant in Washington.
Water company bosses risk jail if they cover up illegal sewage spills under law now in force, Defra says
Under newly implemented legislation, managers at water companies may face up to two years in prison if they conceal illegal sewage discharges, according to PA Media. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) noted that no prison sentences have been imposed on water company executives since privatization, despite numerous illegal sewage incidents, emphasizing the necessity for stricter penalties due to some firms obstructing investigations.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed stated, “Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes. There must be accountability. From today, there will be no more hiding places.”
This legislative move, part of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, addresses public outrage over the declining conditions of the UK’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, amidst rising service costs, excessive dividends, and high executive compensation.
Defra believes that the introduction of imprisonment for water executives will serve as a substantial deterrent to illegal activities.
Regulators have faced challenges in collecting evidence for prosecutions related to sewage leaks due to obstruction from companies, and while obstruction is itself a criminal offense, only three water company individuals have faced prosecution without an appeal, resulting only in fines, which were not applied.
Defra provides comprehensive details on the tightening of these regulations in its news release.
German ambassador to UK says he is optimistic about prospects of youth mobility deal with EU
Miguel Berger, the German ambassador to the UK, conveyed optimism regarding the potential for a youth mobility agreement with the EU that includes capped numbers during a discussion on the Today programme. This sentiment aligns with reports from the Times indicating progress in negotiations.
Berger reflected positively on the discussions, mentioning the critical preparatory work being undertaken ahead of next month’s UK-EU summit following the meeting between Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen.
For Germany, securing a security and defense pact between the UK and the EU is fundamental, and Berger noted a shift in perspectives since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
He emphasized, “In the end, I think everybody understands that collective security in Europe necessitates cooperation among democracies, allies, and countries sharing similar values.”
According to him, the geopolitical landscape necessitates a close partnership.
Ukraine gets nothing in Trump’s proposals for peace, says Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson has critiqued Donald Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine, suggesting that under Trump’s conditions, Ukrainians would “get nothing,” marking one of his first notable admonitions of the current US president, as reported by Jessica Elgot.
Source
www.theguardian.com