The results of Prime Minister Starmer’s tour indicate an attempt by London to rebuild relations with the European Union, which were disrupted by Brexit
At the end of August, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited two key European Union countries — Germany and France — in an effort to rebuild fractured relations with the European bloc. In Berlin, he spent two full days in negotiations, while in Paris he attended the opening of the 17th Paralympic Games and (incidentally) held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
«We must turn the page on Brexit and repair the damaged relationships left by the previous government. This work began at the European Political Community meeting in July and I am determined to continue it», the Prime Minister said.
Starmer adopted a selective strategy for his European tour. First, he deliberately avoided focusing on establishing contacts with the European Commission, which had caused London considerable headaches during its «divorce proceedings» with the EU. Second, he chose Germany as his primary partner and mediator in Europe. Third, his talks with Macron were aimed not so much at involving France in the process of normalizing post-Brexit relations, but rather at resolving differences with the fiery Frenchman, who had caused quite a stir and directed much criticism at the previous British leadership.
Let me remind you that Starmer leads the Labour Party, which replaced its main rival — the Conservative Party — at the helm. One of the most significant changes under Conservative rule was the UK’s exit from the EU (Brexit). This had a negative impact on everyone, especially the united Europe and, to a greater extent, the United Kingdom.
So, metaphorically speaking, Starmer began building bridges across the English Channel through Germany. This move clearly pleased Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is currently feeling uneasy both internationally and domestically. His opponents accuse him, among other things, of practically losing Germany’s position as one of the main «locomotives» of the EU, and of making the once strong and unbreakable ties with France more fragile. The British Prime Minister’s gesture has somewhat alleviated this discontent.
«Germany has a long-standing and trustful partnership with the United Kingdom, characterized by shared values and reliable friendship. […] We will cherish and support this cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, for the benefit of Europe and for the security of the transatlantic space», the head of the Berlin cabinet said at the closing press conference, welcoming his British counterpart’s desire for a «new start in relations with the European Union» and noting that London «has always been an indispensable partner in addressing important issues that affect the whole of Europe».
The Chancellor was pleased to announce that work has begun on a bilateral strategic agreement to expand cooperation in defense, trade, and the economy.
For his part, Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed his counterpart, noting that he and Scholz had seized a «unique opportunity to open a new chapter in British-German relations».
«The core of the agreement between London and Berlin will be a new defense treaty. […] But we will also deepen cooperation on issues such as the fight against illegal migration and climate protection. Other topics include cooperation in law enforcement, education, energy security, transport, environmental policy, technology, research and innovation», the British guest added.
The joint statement noted that intensive work will be done over the next six months to refine and deepen the agreement, which is expected to be signed in early 2025. Additional intergovernmental consultations are planned during its preparation. Among other things, the agreement will allow the UK and German governments to «act together on key geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine».
Parallel consultations were held between the foreign ministers of the two countries — the fiery Annalena Baerbock and the British David Lammy. Incidentally, Germany was the first country the British Foreign Secretary visited after the formation of the new Labour cabinet.
«The new British government has clearly articulated its priorities. We want a reset in our relationship with Europe», he said.
Lammy ruled out the possibility of Britain returning to the EU’s single market and customs union, but noted that the two sides could do a lot together, «starting with a security pact between the United Kingdom and the European Union».
«Such a pact could cover a very wide range of issues, including defense, energy and climate. […] I want to make it clear that the Europeans are our friends, and in the context of the war in Europe, we need to continue to increase defense spending and work closely together», he concluded.
So what is this if not a cunning attempt by the British (both Starmer and Lammy) to re-enter active European politics through the «German Gate» without reversing Brexit?