What's happened
Keir Starmer commits to seeking a better Brexit deal for the UK if Labour wins the next election
Why it matters
The potential renegotiation of the UK-EU trading agreement is significant as it could impact the future relationship between the UK and the EU. It also highlights the ongoing debate over the terms of Brexit and the potential challenges of securing a more favorable deal for the UK.
What the papers say
The Independent says that experts warn Starmer risks demanding more than the EU is willing to give, while The Guardian highlights the need for significant concessions from Labour to gain EU support. The Times and The Telegraph both suggest that the EU is unlikely to agree to a major renegotiation, with The Times emphasizing the need for the backing of the European Commission and member states.
How we got here
The UK-EU trading agreement, signed by Boris Johnson, is set for review in 2025. Keir Starmer aims to use this review to secure a better deal for the UK. However, the EU is cautious about reopening the Brexit debate and is more focused on technical adjustments rather than major changes to the agreement.
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The Labour Party is a centre-left political party in the United Kingdom that has been described as an alliance of social democrats, democratic socialists and trade unionists.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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The Financial Times is an international daily newspaper printed in broadsheet and published digitally that focuses on business and economic current affairs.
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.