Sir Keir Starmer is journeying to Germany to engage in discussions regarding a new bilateral agreement with the nation as he aspires to “move past Brexit to restore connections” with the EU.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday to deliberate on the treaty, which aims to “enhance business and trade, strengthen defence and security collaboration, and amplify cooperative efforts on illegal migration”.
Downing Street anticipates that negotiations for the treaty – viewed as “a fundamental element of the UK’s broader reset with Europe” – will span six months, with both parties hoping for it to be finalized in early 2025.
Prior to the journey, Sir Keir emphasized that the UK “must turn a corner on Brexit and mend the fractured relationships left by the former administration”.
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Key topics expected to be explored in the upcoming treaty with Germany include market entry between the nations, collaborative efforts in science and technology, clean energy initiatives, energy security, trade across the North Sea, and the “resilience” of supply chains.
The two leaders will further engage in discussions surrounding enhanced intelligence sharing aimed at combating the people smuggling networks that contribute to significant portions of illegal migration throughout Europe.
In addition to meeting Mr. Scholz and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Sir Keir will confer with the CEOs of both technology giant Siemens and defense firm Rheinmetall.
This marks the fifth occasion Sir Keir Starmer has met Olaf Scholz since assuming the role of Prime Minister. Pic: PA
Following Germany, he will proceed to Paris for the opening ceremony of the Paralympics on Wednesday evening, followed by a breakfast meeting with French business leaders and a later engagement with President Emmanuel Macron.
Sir Keir remarked: “We are presented with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renew our relationship with Europe and aspire for authentic, ambitious alliances that benefit the British populace.
“Enhancing our partnerships with these nations is vital, not merely for addressing the global issue of illegal migration but also for stimulating economic advancement across the continent and critically in the UK – one of the primary objectives of my administration.”
Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer have met three times in the past eight weeks. Pic: PA
This journey follows warnings from the Prime Minister about “challenging” decisions anticipated in his government’s initial budget set for October, attributed to what Labour has described as a £22bn “black hole” in public finances, a legacy of the previous Conservative administration.
In a recent address in the gardens of Number 10 on Tuesday, he suggested potential tax increases in the autumn, stating “those with the most should bear the greatest burden” and “those who caused the issue must contribute to the solution”.
However, Sir Keir also acknowledged his need to “look to the country and make significant requests of you as well, to embrace short-term sacrifices for long-term benefits”.
The Conservative shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, Laura Trott, criticized the government for “preparing to renege on even more promises”, given their campaign against raising taxes in the last election, adding: “This constitutes a betrayal of public trust, and we will hold them accountable for their actions.”
