The foreign affairs committee has concluded that Keir Starmer's efforts to reset the UK's relationship with the European Union are lacking in 'direction, definition and drive'. A report based on months of expert witness testimony found that while the summit between the UK and the EU in May last year had 'substantially improved the overall political relationship', the government lacks clear strategic priorities.
Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and chair of the committee, said: 'Sadly, we found that despite progress in some areas, the government's reset is languishing, suffering from a lack of direction, definition and drive. It feels as though we are on a journey with no clear destination.' The report noted that the government has failed to provide timelines, milestones or priorities, and does not appear to have an ambitious strategic vision.
The committee criticised the EU's recent demand for a financial contribution to lower-income member states, which was not mentioned at last year's summit, as well as the 'exorbitant' €2bn price tag for UK participation in the EU's Security Action for Europe (Safe) defence procurement initiative. It welcomed the UK-EU security and defence partnership but urged both sides to go further and faster.
The report also criticised the deliberate 'secrecy' surrounding talks and urged the government to publish its plans in a white paper. 'Despite setbacks, the government must keep pushing. Fortune favours the bold and showing ambition now will reap rewards later,' it added.
So far, only a deal on the Erasmus student programme has been announced, while key areas such as chemical regulation and mutual recognition of professional qualifications remain off the negotiating table. The report, titled 'From a Common Understanding to Common Ground: Building a UK-EU Strategic Partnership Fit for the Future', was published on Wednesday.
