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European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have promised closer co-operation as they opened bilateral talks aiming to “reset” relations between London and Brussels.
“I firmly believe that the British public wants to return to pragmatic, sensible leadership when it comes to dealing with our closest neighbours,” said Starmer on Wednesday, speaking at the meeting in Brussels.
The pair said that alignment on global affairs would provide a strong foundation for a rebooted bilateral relationship between the UK and the 27-country bloc.
“Dear Keir, in these very uncertain times, like-minded partners like us must co-operate more closely,” noted von der Leyen.
But officials on both sides have cautioned against expecting quick results after four years of tense relations since the UK left the EU.
The commission and EU member states will insist on the UK’s strict policing of trade flows between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as enshrined in the Windsor framework, along with the post-Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
“We have a set of solid agreements in place,” said von der Leyen. “We should explore the scope for more co-operation while we focus on the full and faithful implementation of the withdrawal agreement, the Windsor framework and the TCA.”
Several member states have also warned against “cherry picking” policies given London wants to stay outside the EU single market and customs union.
Starmer has indicated he wants to forge a security deal with Brussels, covering areas such as defence and energy co-operation.
He is also willing to follow some EU rules to ensure industries including chemicals, with global supply chains, can trade smoothly.
“My discussions in Brussels will focus on how we can boost economic growth, strengthen our security and tackle shared challenges like irregular migration and climate change — kick-starting the detailed work to deliver the reset,” he said before the meeting.
“We will stand firm on our red lines. There will be no return to freedom of movement or the customs union.”
He added they would “set a new path towards deepening our defence and security ties and scaling up defence production across the UK, Europe and beyond — because this will be at the foundation of our security and prosperity for years to come”.
Starmer will also meet Charles Michel, president of the European Council, who chairs EU summits, and the European parliament president Roberta Metsola.
Metsola would stress that the rights of 6mn EU citizens in the UK must be protected, an official said.