Keir Starmer meets Ursula von der Leyen to reset UK-EU ties

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit Brussels next week for discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This meeting aims to initiate a 'reset' of the U.K.'s relationship with the European Union, which has been strained since Brexit. Starmer expressed his commitment to making Brexit work for the British people while emphasizing that this does not entail reversing the decision to leave the EU. The upcoming talks follow a brief encounter between the two leaders at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, marking Starmer's first formal discussions with von der Leyen since taking office on July 5. In recent months, Starmer has engaged with various EU leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, and Giorgia Meloni, to improve diplomatic ties. During a visit to Berlin in late August, Starmer articulated his desire to restore positive relations with the EU, highlighting the importance of collaboration moving forward. His approach reflects a broader strategy to reshape the U.K.'s position within Europe, more than four years after the Brexit referendum. The meeting in Brussels is anticipated to be a significant step in addressing the complexities of post-Brexit relations, as both leaders seek to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for U.K.-EU relations and the future of cooperation between the two entities.