After meeting with Ursula Von Der Leyen, Starmer has promised to “make Brexit work” with a “pragmatic, sensible” approach. Despite a clear-cut focus on improving relations with Europe, there are minimal leads to suggest re-joining the European Union.
Despite not wishing to re-join the European Union, Labour appears to have some aims of improving European relations. The main promise from Starmer is to implement a reduction of trade barriers. This does not come as a surprise given that the Labour Manifesto outlines the removal of unnecessary trade barriers. Furthermore, in the face of rising tensions in the Middle East, Starmer aims to improve coordination with Britain's European allies, focusing on the defence sector.
It appears most of the limitations of Brexit will remain in place, and it is unlikely the UK will make a full return to the EU.
Despite Starmer's promise to improve relations with the EU, there is additional pressure on the government to allow further mobility for the youth to work and study between European countries. Despite this, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ruled out a return to the single market, customs union, and, crucially for young people, freedom of movement. Recently, the UK’s ambassador, Pedro Seranno, proposed a scheme in which it would be easier for European students to spend a gap year in the UK, and visa versa. This was rejected, leaving uncertainty surrounding Starmer’s commitments to Europe.
It appears most of the limitations of Brexit will remain in place, and it is unlikely the UK will make a full return to the EU. However, it seems the new government is taking steps to mitigate some of its downsides, primarily in defense and trade, which will lead to a different and closer relationship with Europe than post-Brexit.