Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Germany (Report, 28 August) is symbolic of the UK’s wish to improve relations with the EU. Symbolism matters, but what is the substance behind it? Starmer proposes a new treaty “to do with trade, defence, the economy, illegal migration etc” and equivalent to the Lancaster House treaty with France, which is primarily about defence cooperation, an area where bilateral arrangements are possible. EU member states cannot sign trade agreements, though there might be an indirect impact on trade through the UK becoming a less uncertain business partner and opening defence procurement.
EU officials insist that the first requirement is a renewal of trust, and a willingness by the UK to adhere to its commitments. But even as he enthused about the bilateral deal, Starmer insisted on his red lines of no single market, no customs union and no rejoining. This bilateral deal could open the way to a serious review of Boris Johnson’s flawed 2020 trade and cooperation agreement, and to new UK-EU agreements, eg on carbon pricing, aerospace, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and youth mobility. However, only those next steps could make a real economic difference. To mitigate the damage done by Brexit, any new deal would have to be deep and wide-ranging, and contain commitments that the UK legally binds itself to and adheres to.
Ultimately, only an arrangement going as far as the European Economic Area would make Britain as predictable an environment for investors as we were prior to Brexit. This would be popular with Labour MPs and public opinion, but would involve Starmer preparing the public for another reversal on policy.
Dr Peter Holmes
Emeritus reader (economics) and fellow of the UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of Sussex
• The prime minister’s meetings last week with the German chancellor and the French president, with the aim of “resetting the UK’s relationship with Europe”, could be of great significance both to the UK and our European neighbours. In a recent British Council report on global perceptions, Germany was ranked as the top EU nation for working constructively with other governments, but the research also showed that young people across the G20 think the UK has the most trusted institutions and the most positive influence in the world. If we are to “turn a corner” on Brexit, as the PM has outlined, then building connections, understanding and trust between our nations has never been more imperative.
Scott McDonald
Chief executive, British Council
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