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Sir Keir Starmer has wasted no time in pushing for a reset of post-Brexit relations with the EU, with his new Europe minister taking the train to Brussels on Monday.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Minister for the Constitution and Relations with the European Union, tweeted an image of himself boarding the Eurostar to Brussels from London St Pancras to meet European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic for a new round of Brexit negotiations.
Although Labour has made clear it will not seek to rejoin the EU or re-enter the customs union and single market, its manifesto promised a “reset” of Brexit relations and a renegotiated deal.
Many thought Rishi Sunak’s Windsor Framework would be the end of Brexit negotiations, but Sir Keir said The Independent During the election campaign, issues related to the trade deal signed by Boris Johnson and border blockades have yet to be resolved.
The EU is considering a full or partial return to free movement of people, with discussions on free movement of young people at the top of its agenda.
Taking the train on Monday morning, Mr Thomas Symonds said: “I am travelling to Brussels today for talks with Maros Sefcovic at the European Commission as we reset Britain’s relationship with the EU.”
According to the Cabinet Office, the meeting aims to lay the foundations for new talks between the UK and the EU as Britain seeks to reset its relationship with the bloc and build closer cooperation on common issues.
A statement said the meeting followed their positive introductory call on Sunday and Mr Thomas-Symonds’ visit to Brussels on Monday, his first full day in the role, where he met the UK ambassador to the EU and addressed staff at the UK mission to the European Union.
He was also at the NATO conference in Washington DC, where he played a leading role in discussions with EU partners who are member states of the defence alliance, ahead of the European Political Council (EPC) summit at Blenheim Palace on Thursday.
Part of the renegotiation involves the UK creating a new defence and security pact with the EU, which will include membership of more parts of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (Pesco).
Ahead of the meeting, Mr Thomas-Symonds said: “Our government is committed to resetting the relationship with the European Union, strengthening ties, strengthening our security and tackling barriers to trade.
“The EU and its Member States are among the UK’s closest friends and allies. In a context of war in Europe and shared global challenges, in areas such as climate change and illegal immigration, a strong alliance between the UK and the EU is essential.
“I look forward to meeting the Executive Vice-President in Brussels today. I had the pleasure of speaking with him immediately after my appointment last week. I look forward to engaging much more with him and my EU colleagues in the months ahead, as we work together to help make our continent safer and more prosperous.”
Mr Sefcovic said: “The EU and the UK are close neighbours, partners and allies, sharing values as well as global challenges. I look forward to welcoming Minister Thomas-Symonds to discuss ways in which we can strengthen our cooperation, while making the most of our existing agreements which form the cornerstone of our partnership.”
