A European strategy for Labour
Think tank: Centre for European Reform
Author(s): Charles Grant
September 27, 2023
This report by UK think tank the Centre for European Reform looks at a European strategy for Labour.
Britain needs a better deal with the EU than that negotiated by Boris Johnson’s government: the economy is taking a hit, opinion polls show that most Britons want a closer relationship and the tense geopolitical situation highlights the value of greater co-operation with Europe. In a new Centre for European Reform policy brief, ‘A European strategy for Labour’, Charles Grant examines how Keir Starmer’s Labour Party could improve Britain’s relationship with the EU. A Labour government will find that this task is not easy and that the EU is difficult to deal with. The UK is not a priority for most European leaders and there is much scepticism about Labour’s willingness and ability to engineer a fundamental change in the UK-EU relationship. Many EU governments do not think Britain should be allowed to ‘cherry-pick’ access to parts of the single market without accepting free movement of people.
Grant argues that Starmer needs to prepare the ground for improving the Brexit deal by setting out some ideas on what he wants to achieve. He and his lieutenants should cultivate relationships with EU governments and institutions. And they should commit to adopting new EU business regulations, unless there is a good reason not to do so. Grant then considers how Johnson’s deal could be amended or extended. Labour should seek a veterinary agreement with the EU, to reduce border checks on animals, plants and food. A mobility chapter should make it easier for people to work in the EU for short periods, and revive school trips. Merging the EU and British Emissions Trading Systems would prevent the EU’s new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism from creating problems for British exporters. A Labour government should set up a review to consider which EU agencies the UK should rejoin or link with. On foreign policy, the UK needs a formal relationship with EU institutions so that it gains the chance to influence the 27, learn what is going on and forge friendships.
