It will be the first bilateral summit of this type since the United Kingdom has left the European Union (EU). While he will welcome, on May 19 in London, the presidents of the EU institutions, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, defended a approach “Pragmatic” in post-Brexit relations with the block, in an interview with GuardianSaturday May 10.
“I am ambitious about what we can materialize”said Keir Starmer in this interview, adding that he wanted a “Closer relationship” With the EU in the fields of defense, security, trade and economy.
However, he said that his government has displayed an approach ” pragmatic “ In the negotiations underway with Brussels, notably suggesting that the United Kingdom would be ready to accept European demand for a mobility program for young people, despite internal pressures to lower immigration.
Likewise, he suggested that the United Kingdom could align its food standards with those of the EU to facilitate trade. “I think the British are proud of their high standards and that we want to maintain these standards”most of which are inherited from European regulations, said Keir Starmer.
Call for more cooperation with Europol
According to The Guardianhe also recognized that the European Court of Justice would then have to play a role in resolving possible disputes. The tenant of 10 Downing Street finally said he wanted his country “Work more with Europol”the cooperation agency between European police for the fight against great crime and terrorism, so that the United Kingdom can “Direct investigations within Europol”.
But, according to The Guardianthe criticisms displayed about the recent trade agreement concluded with India and the recent breakthrough of the anti-immigration and pro-Brexit party in local elections could push the government to caution in its rapprochement with the EU.
In terms of defense, London and Brussels are currently negotiating an agreement to strengthen their cooperation and associate the British defense industry with European efforts to rearm. The United Kingdom would also like British companies to access the European SAFE program, endowed with 150 billion euros.
British Defense Minister John Healey said on the BBC on Friday that the British were on the BBC “Ready to pay a fair share” To integrate this plan, but provided “To have [leur] Word to say about programs “and to protect intellectual property and British export capacities.
Source: Lemonde