No10 clarified that joining the European Trading Area would not violate Britain’s “red lines” amid EU hints of a Brexit “reset” under Leader Keir Starmer. European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcović suggested potential UK involvement in the Pan-European Mediterranean Treaty (PEM), which would ease border checks and allow young people mobility between the UK and EU. However, Europe Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds dismissed any current plans for PEM. The Conservatives warned against any concessions to Brussels, accusing Labour of compromising national interests. Prime Minister Starmer aims to enhance EU relations while maintaining a delicate balance on trade and immigration policies.
No10 today insisted joining the European Trading Area would not cross a “red line” after the EU signaled a form of Brexit “reset” for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcović pointed to the idea of the UK becoming part of the European Union. Pan-European Mediterranean Treaty (PEM).
He also laid out “dynamic adjustments” to food and agriculture rules to ease border checks. And Brussels has made it clear that it is determined to create a reciprocity scheme so that young people can work freely in the UK.
Europe Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds this morning sought to throw cold water on the possibility of joining PEM, saying there were currently no plans to join.
But No10 raised fresh doubts by insisting he would not break any of Britain’s red lines. The Conservatives said Labor was willing to “bend the knee” to Brussels and warned the government must not give back control.
The prime minister has made improving relations with the EU one of his top priorities, but faces a difficult balancing act after ruling out membership in the customs union or single market.
Any sign that Britain is on friendly terms with the EU could infuriate longtime critic Donald Trump.
PEM enables tariff-free trade in goods across Europe and in some North African and Levantine countries.
EU Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcović pointed to the idea of the UK becoming part of the Pan-European Mediterranean Treaty (PEM).
The EU chief hints at a form of Keir Starmer’s (pictured) Brexit ‘reset’, with the UK potentially joining the European trading area, accepting single market rules and striking a ‘youth mobility’ deal. suggested
Some business groups support joining PEM because it helps maintain complex supply chains.
Mr Sefcovic told the BBC in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that the idea had not yet been “formulated precisely” and that “the ball is in the UK court”.
The UK government is said to have launched a consultancy business on the benefits of PEM schemes and how they can help cut red tape and improve trade.
Mr Sefcovic also told the broadcaster that he would like to see the possibility of a full-fledged review of the veterinary health agreement between the EU and the UK.
He said that if UK food and agricultural products were given single market treatment, it would mean “we would need the same rules and we would have to upgrade them at the same time, which we call dynamic adjustment”. said.
Youth mobility programs are considered to be a core need for Brussels. Such an agreement would allow 18- to 30-year-olds to “travel, work and live” between the EU and the UK for up to four years. However, the Labor government has not taken a proactive stance, fearing it will anger Brexit supporters.
“That’s not freedom of movement,” Sefcovic said. This is a proposal to build a bridge.
“We don’t want to be seen as demanders here because we believe this is good for Britain.”
The EU chief said he had Britain’s Europe Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds on “speed dial”.
Downing Street sought to sidestep questions about the possibility of Britain joining a pan-European trade deal.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson said he would not comment at this time on specific options being discussed with the EU.
But when asked whether a pan-European trade deal would cross the red line in the EU relationship set out in Labour’s manifesto, he said: “The deal being discussed is not a customs union.”
“Our red line is never to participate in the single market or freedom of movement, but we will not pre-empt those discussions.”
In the House of Commons, Cabinet Office minister Thomas Symonds was called on by the Conservatives to eliminate dynamic adjustment.
The move “could potentially allow the European Court of Justice to regain jurisdiction over the UK”, shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burgert said.
The Conservatives added: “Are we going to exclude the ECJ (European Court of Justice) from having jurisdiction over the UK in any way in the future?”
The Prime Minister (pictured with Ursula von der Leyen) has made improving relations with the EU one of her top priorities, but faces a difficult balance after ruling out joining the customs union and single market.
Thomas-Symonds responded: “We set the red lines in our manifesto and set out examples of what we are willing to negotiate.” It’s already there.
The minister also told MPs: “At this time we have no plans to participate in the PEM and will not be commenting on every comment that is made.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “Labour’s plan to capitulate to the EU is shameful.”
“The latest reports that the Government may bind us to the European Union are deeply worrying and show that Keir Starmer and his allies are putting their ideology ahead of our national interests at all costs. He once again made it clear that he is happy to make this a priority.
“The Conservative Party will always fight for the democratic freedoms that the British people voted for, and we will not stand by and watch Labour’s huge betrayal of our country.”
