Keir Starmer is determined to change the course of Brexit and establish strong connections with EU member states. He is set to make a quick trip to Berlin to meet with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, where they will likely discuss defence and trade.
The prime minister mentioned that the trip was a component of larger initiatives to repair the tense ties with European neighbours that the previous administration left behind.
According to him, it was a rare chance to completely change our relationship with Europe.
Starmer, who is jetting off to Paris on Wednesday, has a packed schedule ahead. He will be rubbing shoulders with Emmanuel Macron and attending the grand opening of the Paris Paralympics. In addition, he will be meeting with influential German business leaders and the esteemed German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. With less than 18 hours to spare, Starmer’s visit promises to be a whirlwind of high-profile encounters.
His strategy as prime minister involves making bold decisions early on and reaping the benefits closer to the next election.
Earlier on Tuesday, he hinted at upcoming tax increases in October’s budget, cautioning that it would be a challenging fiscal statement. Last week, there was an interesting revelation in the Guardian about the chancellor, Rachel Reeves. It seems that she is contemplating the idea of raising capital gains tax and inheritance tax. The purpose behind this move is to address the £22bn shortfall that Labour claims to have inherited.
There is quite a buzz surrounding the government’s recent actions. One controversial move involves reducing winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners. Additionally, there has been some talk about the government appointing several high-ranking civil service jobs to individuals who support and donate to the Labour Party.
Starmer claimed on Tuesday that it was a necessary step to address the issues within the British state, which he referred to as “14 years of decay.”
The discussions with Scholz will also cover migration and asylum seekers, including conversations about intelligence regarding unofficial border crossings.
There is a lot of buzz surrounding the upcoming negotiations between the UK and Germany on a bilateral treaty. This agreement, which drew its inspiration from a previous agreement with France, will centre on defence and security and set forth a long-term strategy for collaboration.
According to reports, a British team has been allocated six months to work on the treaty, and it is anticipated that both countries are eager to finalise and sign it by early 2025.
When it comes to bolstering joint strategies to address a more assertive and ambitious Russia, defence collaboration is a top focus for the EU. This is especially important for Starmer’s government as they aim to negotiate a revised post-Brexit agreement with Brussels.
Germany and France are the bloc’s main players in defence, with Macron especially interested in concentrating defence procurement within Europe.
In comments released by No. 10 before Starmer left for Berlin on Tuesday, the prime minister expressed his belief that his government has a unique chance to redefine its relationship with Europe and pursue meaningful, ambitious collaborations that benefit the British people.
He mentioned the need to address the aftermath of the previous government’s actions and move forward on Brexit. That work began at the European Political Community meeting last month, and I am committed to carrying it forward, which is why I am travelling to Germany and France this week.
Building stronger ties with these nations is essential, not only for addressing the worldwide issue of illegal migration but also for promoting economic development throughout the continent and particularly in the UK. This is a top priority for my government.
Starmer attended the European Political Community gathering at Blenheim Palace, where he crossed paths with Scholz and Macron. He also had the opportunity to meet them again at the NATO summit in Washington. No. 10 mentioned that this week’s meeting would mark the PM’s fifth encounter with the German chancellor since Labour won the UK election and his fourth meeting with the French president.
Insiders in Germany have revealed that the agreement with the UK may bear some resemblance to a longstanding deal Berlin has with France. This deal focusses on a range of bilateral matters, steering clear of EU-related topics like trade.
Did you hear about the Franco-German cooperation treaty signed in Aachen in 2019? It’s not just about politics but also includes some exciting joint cultural and digital programs. And that’s not all! They’re even expanding an existing youth mobility program to include young people with special needs. How interesting! Last week, Downing Street made it clear that they will not be participating in any youth mobility schemes as part of their revised agreement with the EU.
It’s interesting to note that sourcing defence contracts in the UK may also be an option. Last year, the German ministry of defence signed a contract with a Dutch shipyard as one of the main contractors for naval vessels.
Insiders in Germany have revealed that Scholz has expressed his keenness to enhance ties with the UK. He is eager to seize any opportunities that could increase international trade, which Brexit has negatively impacted.
According to a German source, Scholz, who is facing a crucial federal election next year, is interested in sharing insights with a left-wing leader who recently achieved a resounding win. According to a source, the two individuals in question share similar political ideologies and possess expertise in their respective fields. It is expected that they will have a mutual desire to exchange knowledge and insights.
During the trip, Starmer will have the opportunity to meet with Christian Bruch, the chief executive of Siemens Energy, and Armin Theodor Papperger, chief executive of Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest defence company. This trade-focused aspect of the trip will surely be of great interest.
Starmer’s upcoming visit to Germany is going to be quite eventful. His schedule is filled with important engagements, such as a military guard and a joint press conference with the chancellor after his talks with Scholz.
Following their departure for Paris on Wednesday, the Prime Minister had plans to participate in the Paralympics’ opening ceremony and join a reception at the Élysée Palace, alongside Macron and other notable figures. While in France, he had plans to meet with influential French business leaders.