Keir Starmer continues UK-EU ‘reset’ effort with Macron talks in Paris

Sir Keir Starmer Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Sir Keir Starmer will continue efforts to build bridges with European leaders as he holds talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The prime minister travelled to Paris after talks in Berlin with the German chancellor Olaf Scholz where he set out plans for a new treaty with Germany.

Starmer is in Europe for two days of meetings designed to show the UK wants to “reset” its relationship with the EU following years of Brexit troubles.

Starmer and Mr Macron were among the audience at the Paralympic Games opening ceremony on Wednesday evening.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer applauds in the stands during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Credit: Adam Davy/PA

A breakfast meeting with French business leaders is scheduled for Starmer, and a summit with Mr Macron at the Elysee Palace.

On the first leg of his trip, Starmer said he was not “reversing Brexit” as he set out plans for a new treaty with Germany – including “deeper links” in several areas.

He agreed that a deal with Germany would be in place by the end of the year following talks with counterpart Scholz, and also noted it was a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.

The two countries also agreed to develop a “joint action plan to tackle illegal migration”.

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Starmer said: “I’m absolutely clear that we do want a reset.

“I have been able to repeat that here today, a reset with Europe, a reset with the EU.

“That does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union, but it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defence, including exchanges, but we do not have plans for a youth mobility scheme.”

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An agreement on youth mobility has been suggested by Brussels and could be a key demand in any negotiations.

But that could be seen as a step towards the restoration of free movement and Sir Keir said he had “clear red lines” ahead of talks with the European Union on the future relationship.

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