Keir Starmer Abandons Plan to Rewrite Brexit Deal After EU Rejection
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has decided to abandon his ambition of re-writing the United Kingdom’s Brexit trade deal. This decision comes in the wake of a resounding rejection from Brussels, where European Union officials made it clear that they would not entertain reopening negotiations on the agreement.
Reports from EU sources indicate that Starmer is now opting for a more pragmatic approach, acknowledging the realities of the situation as the trade deal approaches its scheduled review in 2025. According to a source familiar with the matter, Labour has undergone a learning curve since September, gaining a deeper understanding of the constraints and opportunities within the EU framework.
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“There is no appetite whatsoever among the member states to reopen the trade agreement. The 2025 review is about checking how it’s working in practice,” the source stated. This signals a shift in Labour’s stance, with a recognition that the focus should now be on assessing the effectiveness of the existing deal rather than seeking significant amendments.
Sir Keir Starmer had initially outlined his intention to renegotiate the Brexit deal, criticizing the agreement brokered by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2019 as “far too thin.” His vision encompassed securing improvements aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles for British food exports and facilitating easier access for UK professionals to work in Europe.
However, with the EU’s firm stance against reopening negotiations, Starmer’s aspirations for a revised deal have been tempered. Instead, Labour is now poised to approach the 2025 review with a focus on practical assessments and identifying areas for incremental enhancements.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labour’s shadow Cabinet Office minister, emphasized the importance of the scheduled review, characterizing it as a pivotal opportunity for both the UK and the EU to explore avenues for improvement. He underscored Labour’s commitment to building upon the existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) to bolster trade and security relationships with the EU.
“A Labour Government would look to secure improvements in our trade and security relationships with the EU,” Thomas-Symonds affirmed. Notably, Labour’s proposed enhancements, including a veterinary agreement and a UK-EU defense and security pact, are positioned within the party’s red lines, which exclude a return to the Single Market, Customs Union, or Freedom of Movement.
The decision to abandon the plan to rewrite the Brexit deal reflects a pragmatic recalibration of Labour’s approach in light of the EU’s unequivocal stance. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit future, Sir Keir Starmer’s party appears poised to prioritize practical engagement and incremental improvements within the framework of the existing agreement.
Source: Daily Express: Keir Starmer drops plan to re-write Brexit deal after humiliating EU rejection
D.A.
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