British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited France on Thursday, following a trip to Germany, as part of ongoing efforts to “reset” the UK’s relationship with the European Union – which has been strained in the years since Brexit.
A month after hosting dozens of European leaders to repair relations following the tumultuous Brexit years, Starmer continued his diplomatic push in Paris.
On Thursday morning, Starmer met with French President Emmanuel Macron. He said they discussed the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, "bilateral issues in terms of trade and defence and security, but also the wider reset that I want in relation to our relations, not just with France, but with the EU in general", Starmer said.
Before meeting Macron, Starmer attended the opening ceremony of the Paralympics on Wednesday night. His visit to France followed a stop in Germany, where he outlined plans for a new bilateral treaty.
After talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Starmer described the proposed agreement – expected to be in place by early next year – as a "once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for working people in Britain and in Germany".
Starmer’s centre-left Labour Party, which won a landslide election victory in July, has made improving ties with the EU central to its strategy for boosting Britain’s economic growth.
Starmer said his visits to Germany and France were part of an effort to work towards a “reset with Europe, a reset with the EU”.
“That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union,” he added. “But it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, defence and exchanges.”
He emphasised that he had “clear red lines” ahead of talks with the European Union on the future relationship.
(with newswires)
