Starmer faces EU demands on migration, fishing and youth mobility as he begins Brexit reset talks

Keir Starmer kicks off his bid to reset Britain’s relationship with the European Union on Wednesday morning, but faces early demands from leaders on migration, fishing and youth mobility.

The Prime Minister wants to tackle defense and security, crime and immigration and then trade under a “three-pillar” strategy for crisis talks with EU leaders in Brussels, as revealed The independent last week.

But Sir Keir will also arrive in Belgium amid mounting pressure to agree to a youth mobility program that would allow under-30s to travel more freely between Britain and the EU.

European leaders reportedly do not want to make things easy for Sir Keir and will make demands; including long-term access to British waters and a new migrant deal requiring Britain to take in an agreed number of asylum seekers from the continent.

Sources close to his senior negotiator – European Affairs Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds – say he is unwilling to agree too quickly to a youth mobility program and will want to use the EU’s enthusiasm for the project as a bargaining chip.

Such demands for concessions by EU leaders are likely to be raised this week before detailed negotiations take place later this year.

Building on the extensive and positive engagement that has already taken place, the Prime Minister will discuss his ambitions for the coming months with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

Sir Keir has set out his determination to go beyond Brexit and make Britain’s relationship with the EU benefit the British people, and he remains focused on delivering a broad-based security pact, securing our borders and tackling trade barriers.

He will say that at a time of increasing instability in the world – with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the rise of vicious smuggling gangs smuggling people across Europe – it is increasingly important that like-minded countries work more together. closely in areas of common interest.

Although he wants to hold talks to achieve ambitious and better cooperation with EU leaders, he has made it clear that there will be no return to the single market, customs union or free movement.

But European leaders will also have a chance to put forward what they want from Britain for a rewrite of the Brexit trade deal.

The Times reports that Ms von der Leyen wants Britain to agree to a new asylum pact from 2026, under which member states will resettle a certain number of asylum seekers. It has been reported that the number to be distributed among the states could start at 30,000 per year.

France is also reportedly pushing for a long-term deal to increase access to British waters for European fishing fleets.

Speaking ahead of his trip, Sir Keir said: “The UK is undeniably stronger when it works closely with its closest international partners. This has never been more important – with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.

“We will only be able to tackle these challenges if we put our collective weight behind them. That is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and build a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.

“Better cooperation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve: securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.”