As public attitudes in the UK toward the European Union have clearly shifted, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is turning the country’s focus back toward Europe.
Speaking at a press conference held in London two weeks ago, Starmer stated clearly that closer ties with the EU are needed.
The Prime Minister signalled that this new phase would not be easy, stressing that the public now needs to take a more “grown-up” approach and accept that closer relations will inevitably involve some mutual trade-offs. According to senior government sources speaking to The Guardian, Prime Minister Starmer is pursuing a gradual and ongoing (iterative) strategy in relations with the EU.
The Youth Mobility Program Is In The Negotiation Phase!
One of the most concrete and striking steps of this diplomatic rapprochement is the “youth mobility programme” that is currently under negotiation. The UK and the EU are working on a comprehensive plan that would allow tens of thousands of young British and European citizens to live and work in each other’s countries.
British ministers aim to finalise this plan over the coming year and secure it by the end of 2026 as part of the broader “reset” strategy for relations.
Ministers Are Stepping Up Their Criticism Of Brexit
From a political standpoint, Labour Party strategists believe the momentum is now shifting in the government’s favour.
It is believed that ministers are now gaining increasing political benefits from stepping up their criticism of Brexit and openly and clearly arguing for closer ties with Europe.
Meanwhile, developments related to the Erasmus programme are also among the key items on the agenda.
Although the Cabinet Office and the European Commission have avoided commenting ahead of Nick Thomas-Symonds’ official announcement to MPs, information coming from Brussels sources has been positive.
Sources say the bloc is pleased to be moving toward a successful agreement and bringing the process to a close.