British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said today, Monday, that the United Kingdom must ‘face the reality’ that the Brexit agreement ‘significantly damaged’ the economy, and argued that the country must continue to move closer to the European Union (EU) to boost growth. Starmer argued that ‘there is no credible economic vision’ for the United Kingdom that does not position it as ‘an open and trading economy,’ and stressed that recovery requires ‘reducing friction’ with Brussels.

‘We have to continue moving towards a closer relationship with the EU, and we must be adults about it, accept that it will require concessions,’ he told reporters during an event in London. The Labour leader said that his government has already concluded agreements with the United States, India and the EU itself, and assured that he will continue to ‘reject inertia’ and ‘take control of the future’ of the country through pragmatic trade relations around the world.

The message points to a change of position in the ruling Labour Party, which was once openly pro-European but had so far avoided addressing Brexit so as not to risk losing votes, as it remains a red line for a large part of the electorate. While the conservative right and the populists maintain their rejection of European structures, the Liberal Democrats – the third largest parliamentary force – and the rising Green Party are advocating a new rapprochement with the EU.

For Starmer, growing the economy is the top priority, without which it would be difficult to aspire to win the next election in 2029. Last May, the Prime Minister agreed with the EU to ‘relaunch’ relations after years of tension stemming from Britain’s exit from the bloc in 2020, which allowed negotiations to begin on agreements on trade, science, mobility and security.

However, on Friday, the government announced the failure of negotiations for the United Kingdom’s access to the European defence equipment procurement fund SAFE, worth around €150 billion, although it assured that it would be able to participate as a third country in specific projects.
And while Brexit damaged the economy, it also complicated lives for British expats – those already living in the EU and those planning on making the move with issues like the 90-day rule not helping matters, but it is unlikely that the UK and the EU will scarp the 90-day rule nor make it easier for young people to enjoy seasonal work in the EU and more freedom of movement.