Look forward, not back’: Starmer outlines ambitious plan for renewed UK-EU trade ties
Keir Starmer has declared that the UK is entering a “new era” in its relationship with the EU, unveiling plans for a closer trading partnership and suggesting the British public is ready to move beyond Brexit.
Speaking ahead of a UK-EU summit later this month, the prime minister urged the nation to “look forward, not back” as his government launched a political push to strengthen cooperation with the bloc. The effort follows a week in which Starmer signed trade agreements with both the US and India.
Starmer signalled that the UK is open to aligning with the EU on food standards, deepening law enforcement collaboration, and introducing a controlled youth mobility scheme. The moves are part of a broader strategy to demonstrate the tangible benefits of closer EU ties, despite political sensitivities surrounding Brexit.
There are concerns within Labour over how Reform UK may respond to the proposals, especially after their gains in local elections. EU officials, meanwhile, are frustrated by what they view as the UK’s cautious approach, driven in part by the electoral threat posed by Nigel Farage’s party.
In an interview aboard HMS St Albans during a visit to Norway, Starmer told The Guardian: “I’m ambitious about what we can achieve. I want a closer relationship on security, defence, trade, and the economy.
“The mindset matters—and it’s one we share. Let’s look forward, not back. We’re living in a different world. There’s a new era in global security and in how we approach trade.”
Starmer also referenced US policy changes under Donald Trump, particularly around tariffs, as a sign that the UK must adapt its trade strategy. “We need to recognise that lowering trade barriers with like-minded partners is more important than ever,” he said.
Asked if the public was ready to embrace a reset with the EU, Starmer said: “I think so. People are focused on the economy, on feeling better off, on getting more money into public services, and on protecting their jobs.”
The EU had hoped that the upcoming London summit on 19 May would lay the foundation for a renewed partnership. However, some EU diplomats fear that UK enthusiasm has waned due to domestic political pressures and backlash over recent concessions to India—particularly on national insurance exemptions for temporary workers.
Business leaders have echoed the call for faster progress, warning that the UK must move quickly to recoup the economic losses triggered by Brexit. “Closer ties with the EU make obvious economic sense,” one said. “But the politics may get in the way.”
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey added his support, saying that re-establishing stronger EU trade links would be “beneficial” and could help reverse the 4% hit to UK productivity estimated by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Meanwhile, the UK government announced its willingness to invest in access to EU defence spending programmes, worth hundreds of billions, despite pushback from France over fishing rights and strategic influence. Defence Secretary John Healey said: “We’re ready to pay our fair share, but we want a seat at the table while protecting UK intellectual property and export potential.”
Starmer contrasted his approach with that of previous Conservative governments, promising a “calm and pragmatic” strategy in talks with the EU, mirroring his tone during US and India negotiations. “We won’t treat this like a press circus. We’ll stay serious and focused,” he said.
He also backed EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who confirmed the UK is exploring a controlled youth mobility scheme with the EU. “We’re pragmatists,” Starmer said. “We have red lines, but we want to get things done.”
However, government insiders clarified that while youth mobility may be referenced in the summit communiqué, detailed discussions would happen later. Starmer also confirmed the UK is prepared to align with EU standards in key sectors. “We’re not in a race to the bottom,” he said. “Britain takes pride in its high standards, and we intend to maintain them.”
He acknowledged the European Court of Justice would continue to play a role in dispute resolution, citing its existing presence under the Windsor Framework for Northern Ireland. “That’s already in place, and most people recognise it as a step forward.”
Finally, Starmer reiterated his aim for deeper collaboration on security and policing. “We want better data-sharing and stronger ties with Europol,” he said. “The UK has led major investigations before, and we can lead again. The ambition is to work as closely as possible.”
