Business
Keir Starmer wants to reset Brexit relations with the German economic deal
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is negotiating a new treaty with Germany to secure priority access for British companies. This marks a strategic attempt to repair Britain’s fractured relationship with the EU after Brexit.
Starmer described it as a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ and stressed the need to ‘turn a corner’ on Brexit and promote closer economic and security ties with Europe.
Starmer’s meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz aims to address the barriers faced by British companies in Germany, such as certification hurdles, complex procurement processes and compliance with local regulations. A Number 10 source noted that the government is committed to preferential market access while maintaining balanced negotiations.
The treaty talks come at a crucial time as Starmer seeks to reshape Britain’s economic landscape amid a challenging budget announcement in which he hinted at higher taxes on the wealthy. He will also meet French President Emmanuel Macron later this week.
However, Starmer’s efforts to secure greater freedoms for British businesses have raised questions about possible concessions, including a possible youth mobility program that would allow young Europeans to live and work in Britain. Despite government assurances that no such plan is planned, reports suggest Britain could offer limited access in return for wider economic benefits.
The proposed treaty will cover market access, science, clean energy and trade security, but will not constitute a new EU trade deal. Starmer is also pushing for a veterinary deal with the EU to ease controls on food exports, with the aim of improving cross-Channel trade flows.
In addition to economic discussions, Starmer and Scholz are expected to work together on joint actions against illegal migration, including improving intelligence sharing to combat organized immigration crime.
As Starmer continues to rebuild ties with Europe, his diplomatic efforts in Berlin and Paris signal a commitment to position Britain as a cooperative partner on key issues such as security and migration.
