Keir Starmer is pushing for a better trading relationship with the EU (Image: Benjamin Cremel / PA Wire)
Sir Keir Starmer failed to repeat a previous guarantee that the UK won’t sign up to an EU scheme that would see the reintroduction of freedom of movement for young people.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels this afternoon, the Prime Minister revealed he had agreed a timeline for his negotiations with Brussels with EU president Ursula von der Leyen.
He confirmed a new summit for early in 2025 where the pair will hammer out a deal, with the Prime Minister promising to “hold firm” on key areas.
He pledged that his deal will not see a return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market.
However when asked whether he may sign Britain up to a new free youth movement scheme, the Prime Minister notably failed to repeat previous assurances.
:
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
The PM was asked whether he had discussed the scheme with President Von der Leyen, merely replying that today’s talks had not dwelled “on individual items” but instead set a “framework” for negotiations going forward.
This stood in contrast to his words in New York last week, when Sir Keir told journalists he has “no plans for a youth mobility scheme”.
The Prime Minister also appeared to hint that EU fishing access to British waters could be on the table, replying to one question about whether it could be a concession with: “It wasn’t in the nature of these discussions about some of the issues, which will have to be part of the discussion of course”.
It comes as the PM met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in a bid to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and the bloc, while reiterating their unwavering support for as the war with continues.
They also agreed to work together on key shared challenges including illegal migration, climate change and energy prices.
They also spoke about ongoing conflicts in the Middle East in the wake of Iran’s overnight attack on , while both calling for an immediate ceasefire in the region.
They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to uphold international law and the European Convention on Human Rights, which top and Reform UK politicians are calling for the exit of.
It is understood the pair also drew up plans to work together on mutually beneficial areas including the economy, energy, security and resilience.
The PM agreed to meet with von der Leyen again later in the autumn, and committed to holding regular EU-UK Summits, with the first one taking place ideally in early 2025.