Donald Trump’s tariffs, the Ukraine war and a stagnating EU economy have accelerated the need to get a reset deal done to foster greater co-operation between the EU and the UK and to reduce trade barriers.
Currently under discussion are the proposed defence and security pact, fishing rights (it is being suggested that if a deal cannot be reached in time for the summit, then there will be a framework and time frame for future negotiations), and a youth visa scheme. Keir Starmer has previously rejected this scheme, despite it being popular with young people and families who want to see their children get the same benefits that they enjoyed when the UK was part of the EU.
The proposed new youth visa scheme could include students and young people undertaking skilled and technical courses, including language skills, which would be broader than the Erasmus programme that was lost to the UK following Brexit.
Also under discussion are mutual recognition of technical qualifications, the linking of UK and EU carbon markets, and a resolution to the ongoing problems that UK bands, musicians, entertainers and artists have in relation to touring in the EU.
EU-UK: a modest deal, but real progress
Starmer told a parliamentary committee last week that he thought “real progress” could be made on UK-EU relations, including UK access to an EU defence fund once a security pact is agreed.
Despite the likelihood of any deal being modest, we can expect howls of anguish from Tories and Brexit diehards, Reform UK Ltd, the right-wing media, GB News and TV news vox pops. They will be dusting off the pro-Brexit playbook on immigration, stolen jobs, and the sovereignty of the Brexit vote – despite polling figures showing that UK voters support a closer relationship with the EU, and think Brexit is now a burden and a drag anchor on the UK economy.
From a union standpoint, there will be disappointment that a return to the representation of workers employed in EU companies in European Works Councils, along with any other improvements in pro-worker legislation agreed by the EU will not automatically apply in the UK.
We will surely also expect opposition calls by the Tories and Reform, hoping for line-by-line parliamentary votes on the deal. That won’t happen, as Labour should, and probably will, opt to put the complete package to a straight vote – a simple case of take it or leave it. This vote will only be a first step towards closer co-operation with the EU, so Starmer really needs to get it over the line.
