Keir Starmer's informal dinner with the 27 EU leaders in Brussels is a pivotal moment for UK-EU relations five years post-Brexit. Under a Labour government supportive of Europe, Starmer aims to rebuild ties, especially to bolster the UK’s sluggish economic growth. With a cabinet critical of Brexit, there are discussions about rejoining the customs union. However, Starmer must deftly balance the UK’s relationship with the US amid potential tariffs, all while trying to position Britain as a key defense partner within Europe.
"Starmer was a committed remainer who spent years steering his party towards endorsing a second referendum."
"Most of the cabinet privately think Brexit was an act of self-harm and David Lammy has reportedly been arguing that the UK should now rejoin the customs union."
"Closer ties with the EU is a key part of that puzzle... Brexit had weighed on the British economy and called on ministers to rebuild bridges with the bloc."
"Starmer faces a challenging international and domestic context... if he is seen to be cosying up to the EU too much, he risks angering the capricious US president."
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