Labour Urged to End ‘Cycle of Hesitation’ with EU, Says Former Leader Neil Kinnock
Neil Kinnock calls for a more ambitious UK-EU relationship as Keir Starmer seeks a security and defense pact with the bloc.
Neil Kinnock, former leader of the UK Labour Party, has urged the current leadership to end its 'cycle of hesitation' over the UK's relationship with the European Union.
Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Brussels for talks on a security and defence pact, Kinnock emphasized the need for the government to act on its promises to reset relations with the EU. This summit is the first of its kind since Brexit, with Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves seeking economic growth through closer ties with the EU. However, concerns over the perception of compromising Brexit have led the government to avoid commitments to initiatives like greater mobility for young Europeans.
Kinnock criticized the government's approach, questioning why key negotiations such as trade, security, and youth mobility have not progressed.
He argued that setting 'red lines' before negotiations are even underway undermines the potential for mutual benefit.
While Labour continues to maintain that it will stay out of the single market, customs union, and free movement rules, some Labour figures are pushing for more action.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats, now positioning themselves as more pro-EU, have called for a bespoke customs union with the EU. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has written to Chancellor Reeves, urging her to commission the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to analyze the economic benefits of such a deal.
The party believes that a closer trading relationship with Europe would spur economic growth, with Davey comparing the proposed customs union to the existing agreement between the EU and Turkey.
As tensions rise with potential threats from Reform UK and accusations from the Conservative Party about Labour's position on Brexit, Starmer and his ministers remain cautious in their approach.
EU leaders are expected to seek concessions on issues such as fishing rights and youth mobility before considering any significant changes to the relationship.
Former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve expressed doubts about the government's reset efforts, suggesting that without addressing barriers to trade and discussing deeper engagement with the EU, the UK's growth ambitions would remain unfulfilled.
A Treasury spokesperson affirmed the government's commitment to strengthening ties with European partners for economic and security benefits.
Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Brussels for talks on a security and defence pact, Kinnock emphasized the need for the government to act on its promises to reset relations with the EU. This summit is the first of its kind since Brexit, with Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves seeking economic growth through closer ties with the EU. However, concerns over the perception of compromising Brexit have led the government to avoid commitments to initiatives like greater mobility for young Europeans.
Kinnock criticized the government's approach, questioning why key negotiations such as trade, security, and youth mobility have not progressed.
He argued that setting 'red lines' before negotiations are even underway undermines the potential for mutual benefit.
While Labour continues to maintain that it will stay out of the single market, customs union, and free movement rules, some Labour figures are pushing for more action.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats, now positioning themselves as more pro-EU, have called for a bespoke customs union with the EU. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has written to Chancellor Reeves, urging her to commission the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to analyze the economic benefits of such a deal.
The party believes that a closer trading relationship with Europe would spur economic growth, with Davey comparing the proposed customs union to the existing agreement between the EU and Turkey.
As tensions rise with potential threats from Reform UK and accusations from the Conservative Party about Labour's position on Brexit, Starmer and his ministers remain cautious in their approach.
EU leaders are expected to seek concessions on issues such as fishing rights and youth mobility before considering any significant changes to the relationship.
Former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve expressed doubts about the government's reset efforts, suggesting that without addressing barriers to trade and discussing deeper engagement with the EU, the UK's growth ambitions would remain unfulfilled.
A Treasury spokesperson affirmed the government's commitment to strengthening ties with European partners for economic and security benefits.
