In a definitive move that signals a profound shift in Britain's post-Brexit trajectory, Sir Keir Starmer's top Brexit strategist has committed to locking the UK into significantly closer ties with the European Union. The pledge sets the stage for a major foreign policy overhaul should Labour win the next general election.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Shadow Minister for International Trade, outlined an ambitious plan to reforge Britain's relationship with its European neighbours, moving decisively away from the current government's more detached stance.
A New Chapter in UK-EU Security Cooperation
Central to Labour's new blueprint is the pursuit of a comprehensive UK-EU security pact. This agreement would facilitate deeper collaboration on critical issues, including:
- Intelligence sharing: Enhancing real-time data exchange to combat cross-border crime and terrorism.
- Policing: Strengthening operational ties with Europol and other European law enforcement agencies.
- Defence: Coordinating more closely on foreign policy challenges and global security threats.
This initiative aims to address the significant gaps in cooperation that emerged after the UK's departure from the EU's internal security architecture.
Overhauling the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Beyond security, Thomas-Symonds identified key areas within the existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) ripe for improvement. He pointed to specific sectors hamstrung by current arrangements, notably:
- The creative industries: Seeking smoother mobility for artists, musicians, and performers.
- Scientific research: Aiming for full re-association with Horizon Europe and other vital programmes.
- Agricultural exports: Reducing costly friction and burdensome checks for UK farmers and food producers.
While ruling out a return to the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement, the Shadow Minister emphasised a pragmatic approach to "make Brexit work" by removing practical barriers to trade and cooperation.
Clear Blue Water Between Labour and the Tories
This announcement creates a stark contrast with the Conservative government's strategy. Labour's approach is characterised by its desire for structured alignment and warmer diplomatic relations, a clear departure from the Tory emphasis on regulatory divergence.
Thomas-Symonds's comments represent the most detailed insight yet into how a potential Starmer government would seek to reset and deepen the UK's most important geopolitical relationship, marking a potential turning point in the post-Brexit era.
