The British Foreign Minister’s first official overseas visit was to Germany. Lammy emphasized that his country aims to improve relations with the EU and cooperate more closely in various fields.
Germany was the first country British Foreign Minister David Lammy visited after his appointment. “This new UK government has clearly defined its priorities. We want a fresh start – a ‘reset’ – in our relations with Europe,” Lammy told Reuters. The UK has extensive and important trade relations with Germany, said the British Foreign Minister.
After her meeting with Lammy, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X that the UK is a “close partner and friend.”
In addition to Baerbock, Lammy met with the head of the Chancellery, Wolfgang Schmidt. Lammy had announced that he would quickly visit several allies in case of an electoral victory.
No EU Membership
Lammy also emphasized that the Labour government would not seek to rejoin the EU. “We will not re-enter the single market or the customs union, but there are many things we can do together.” The new government wants to move past the Brexit years. “This begins with security and a security pact between the UK and the EU.” This pact could cover issues such as defense, energy, and climate, and have a very broad scope.
Defense Policy Focus
Baerbock mentioned the preparation for the NATO summit as one of the topics of cooperation with the UK to strengthen European defense. Moreover, both sides should collaborate on international climate policy and efforts to mitigate the Middle East conflict with a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. Regarding the Gaza war, in her X post, the minister described the ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden as “the only way out of the war stalemate.”
Baerbock described the UK as an “indispensable part of Europe.” She explained that Germany is working with the new British government to find “how the UK can get closer to the EU again.” This applies to areas such as science, culture, and security. “We are examining with the new British government how the UK can get closer to the EU again.”
Scholz and Starmer Talk on the Phone
Contacts have already taken place at a higher level: government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit announced that Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had spoken by phone. Both agreed that the UK’s relations with European states are of particular importance. The Chancellor explicitly appreciated the British Prime Minister’s intention to give new impetus to bilateral relations with Germany, and both politicians agreed to work quickly to continue deepening cooperation between the governments.
Reynolds: “Reasonable and Pragmatic” Solutions with the EU
The new British government wants to work more closely with the EU on trade issues as well. Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News. The UK and the EU have the same food standards, for example. “If we can sell more whisky and salmon in such an important market for us, we should explore those opportunities.”
The Labour Party politician blamed the previous Conservative government for trade problems. “To be honest, it is in the UK’s great national interest to build a relationship with Europe that is not driven by the internal politics of the Conservative Party,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds hinted at “reasonable and pragmatic” solutions, such as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications or visa rules for artists and musicians. He said it made sense to remove such barriers.
The Economy Minister categorically ruled out a return to the EU once again. “We are not open to the free movement of people, which is part of EU membership, and we will not touch it again,” said Reynolds. However, in principle, close cooperation is in the mutual interest of the EU and the UK.
The UK left the EU at the end of January 2020, and since 2021 it is no longer a member of the EU customs union or single market. Despite the existence of a free trade agreement, there have been barriers to bilateral goods exchange since then.
Source: DW
