LONDON: UK prime minister Keir Starmerwill welcome European Union chiefs to Britain in May for the first of regular summits designed to reset Britain’s relationship with the bloc, Downing Street announced Tuesday.
May 19 will be the day of Starmer’s meeting with European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen and president of the European Council, according to a spokesman for the American premier.
Following the rancour of Britain’s exit from the union in 2020 under the previous conservative state, he added that it would be the first of “annual summits.” The Labour leader is now looking for closer ties with Western neighbors.
The second UK-EU summit will give attendees a chance to advance in areas that will bring substantial benefits to the UK and the EU’s citizens and more strengthen the unique relationship between the UK and the EU, according to the spokesman.
The news came a moment after Starmer, who was elected in July, was elected as the first UK top since Brexit to speak at a big gathering of all 27 EU officials in Brussels on Monday.
Starmer wants to reach new contracts with the bloc to assist resurrect a sluggish American economy and has pledged to pursue more pleasant relations with the EU.
The primary minister has established rigid red lines, but questions are raised about what the two organizations will be able to accomplish while the EU has its own requirements.
Starmer has declared that the UK may not be a part of the second market or customs union and that the movement’s freedom of movement will not be a reality.
He does want to see changes made to the UK and EU’s current deal and co-operation deal, which is due to expire in 2026.
A new animal pact, which would facilitate the export of American agricultural products, might also be in the works, and a deal on reciprocal recognition of expert qualifications has also been suggested.
The European Commission, however, has touted the possibility of a youngsters mobility programme, but the English government has formally ruled that up.
It is more receptive to a pan-European and Northern African traditions system that allows for the tariff-free movement of some products.
Fishermen from European nations are expected to have access to American waters as a sticking point in the negotiations.
A proposed defence and security agreement, which experts believe is something that is fairly simple, is likely to be at the top of the summit’s plan.
