Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to pursue a significant overhaul of Britain’s Brexit agreement in 2025 if Labour wins the next general election, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding relations with the EU for the sake of future generations.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Starmer stated that he intends to prioritize a closer trading relationship with Brussels and forge a new partnership with businesses to bolster the UK’s economic growth.
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement between Britain and the EU, negotiated by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is set for review in 2025. Starmer sees this as a critical moment to reset and improve relations, referring to Johnson’s deal as insufficient. He stated, “As we approach 2025, we will strive to secure a much more favorable deal for the UK.”
Speaking at a conference of center-left leaders in Montreal, Starmer aimed to present himself as a prime minister-in-waiting. This effort included talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and scheduled discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, focusing on post-Brexit relations.
Starmer has already expressed his desire to enhance the Brexit deal by establishing a veterinary agreement with the EU to reduce burdensome border checks on animals and food, as well as an agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications.
During the Global Progress Action conference, Starmer stated, “I believe there is room for improvement in various areas.” He discussed the possibility of closer ties in security, innovation, research, as well as considering options for enhancing youth mobility and cooperation in energy. However, Starmer reiterated his stance of ruling out rejoining the customs union, single market, or the EU itself.
When asked if the friction in other forms of trade could be reduced, Starmer replied, “I do believe we can also achieve a closer trading relationship. That’s a topic for further discussion.”
It remains uncertain whether the EU would be willing to renegotiate the trade agreement, which only came into effect in 2021, especially if it involves selective changes to the single market. Many in Brussels view the 2025 review as a merely administrative task.
However, Starmer stated, “We must make it work. It’s not about going back, but I refuse to accept that we can’t find solutions. I think about the future generations when making this statement.
“As a parent of a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, I won’t allow them to grow up in a world where I can only tell them that their future will be worse than it could have been. I am fully determined to make this work.”
Separately, Starmer mentioned that funding the party’s broader economic program would not require imposing new taxes on the wealthy. He stated, “We have not experienced significant growth in 13 years. We must change that trend. Prioritizing tax over growth is a fundamental mistake.”
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