The article critiques the ongoing Brexit negotiations dubbed 'The Reset', highlighting familiar themes like economic uncertainty and political maneuvering. It notes a significant shift where a Labour government is openly acknowledging the negative impact of Brexit on the UK economy. Although Prime Minister Starmer's plans incorporate new aspects such as defense partnerships and energy market integration, they remain rooted in traditional views on trade with Europe. The piece explores the tension between the public's desire for frictionless commerce and the political taboo of rejoining the EU single market.
Many familiar elements of the Brexit cinematic universe are represented: talks that go to the wire; French obstinacy; cries of betrayal from militant Eurosceptics; fish.
The big plot twist this time is a Labour government that is prepared to say aloud that Brexit inflicted harm on the UK economy, and that closer relations with European neighbours are in the national interest.
Starmer thinks most British people can tell the difference between eliminating costly paperwork on sausage exports and colonial submission.
He accepts the logic that favourable terms of trade with a huge continental bloc require regulatory alignment, and that streamlining the process is not a dissolution of national sovereignty.
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