The leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, traveled to Paris today for a private meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron to talk about Brexit. The meeting comes as France and Germany propose a new associate membership of the EU for Britain. Downing Street, however, dismissed any possibility of the UK joining a new two-speed Europe. Nonetheless, a new tiered membership scheme, created by Paris and Berlin to entice Britain back to Brussels, is said to be targeting a future Starmer government.
A New European Plan
A policy paper presented by France and Germany revealed a plan to establish an "inner circle" of nations willing to deepen EU integration by 2030, alongside an outer tier of membership that would include the UK. However, outer members would still have to follow EU rules for access to the Single Market and be subject to EU judicial authority. According to a source in Brussels, the plan is designed to provide a potential place for Britain without the need for rejoining the EU or another referendum.
Sir Keir Starmer's Objectives
Sir Keir has previously expressed his desire to renegotiate the UK's free trade agreement with the EU if he becomes Prime Minister. Speaking after his meeting with President Macron, he emphasized that their discussion focused on political issues and the future relationship between the UK and France. Starmer stated his intention to strengthen the existing relationship between the two countries.
The EU's Response
Experts warn that the EU is likely to offer a Labour government only a "short, technical review" instead of a major overhaul of the EU/UK deal when it is reviewed in 2025, unless the UK tries to rejoin the Single Market and Customs Union. While Labour officially denies this as their plan, the Conservative Party has accused Sir Keir of wanting to dismantle Brexit.
No Association with the EU
When asked if Chancellor Rishi Sunak would consider proposals for the UK to be an "associate EU member," his spokesman firmly stated no. The government's view is to maintain the freedoms of Brexit and the flexibility it brings, such as the ability to set taxes, make decisions on genetic modification, and expedite the development of medicines.
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