Keir Starmer seeks closer EU ties amid defense and trade talks

Keir Starmer has indicated that establishing a new relationship with the European Union will be challenging but achievable. Ahead of a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, he highlighted key areas for potential collaboration, including defence, border security, and trade. Starmer has not ruled out discussing a youth mobility scheme, which could facilitate easier travel and work opportunities for young people, although he emphasized that there are no current plans to adopt such a scheme. His approach aims to balance the interests of pro-Brexit supporters and those advocating for closer ties with the EU. Starmer's government is under pressure from business leaders to ease post-Brexit trade barriers, and he believes that a closer business relationship is possible despite the complexities of the UK's current status outside the EU. However, any negotiations will likely require careful navigation to avoid backlash from both sides of the Brexit debate. The EU has also shown some flexibility regarding youth mobility, suggesting that a limited scheme could be discussed. Starmer's comments reflect a broader desire to reset the UK's relationship with the EU while maintaining a focus on promoting growth and attracting business to the UK economy.