Will the British Labour government relax Brexit rules?

This article was originally published in Portuguese

At Stonemanor, one of Belgium’s most popular British goods stores, customers are aware that Brexit will not be reversed after Thursday’s UK general election, which saw the victory for the Labour Party (centre-left), led by Keir Starmer.

But at the microphone ofEuronewssome Britons living in the country that hosts the EU’s main institutions, said they hoped Starmer’s promise to try to improve the country’s relations with the European Union, which he withdrew from in 2020, would come to fruition.

“For example, when you go on a school trip to the UK, you have to buy a passport and it’s not so easy because it costs a lot of money. That would already be a reason to get rid of Brexit, because for culture and tourism it would bring a lot of gains to the economy” said a young man.

Another client also said it was important to improve trade, cultural and educational relations, but prioritized the health sector: “People should be able to cross the border more easily in search of the best opportunities in medicine and hospitals.”

Red lines and open doors

The future Labour Prime Minister will not reopen the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, but wants to address the concerns of 70% of Britons who say that Brexit has made their lives worse.

For the negotiations with the EU, Keir Starmer has already drawn his red lines: He does not want to join the customs union or the single market, nor restore freedom of movement.

But doors could be opened for new agreements on veterinary standards and youth mobilityfor example, which could be areas for improvement for both sides, Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform, said in an interview with Euronews.

“Keir Starmer has already said he wants to review health regulations to reduce border checks on food, plants and animals, which should help farmers, for example, and food importers.“, explained the political analyst.

As for the youth mobility programme, proposed by the European Commission a month ago, both the government and the opposition rejected it, but the file could be reopened.

“Long-term, a youth mobility programme is plannedprovided that it is not presented as free movement through the back door” said Charles Grant, adding that the same reasoning could apply to consultants and artists.

In a recent report, the Centre for European Reform lists other areas where cooperation with the EU could be strengthened, such as climate action and energy policies, as well as financial services. It should be noted that scientists and British researchers have regained access to the EU’s Horizon funding programme.

Another area of ​​cooperation that could be strengthened is security and defence, given the war in Ukraine and the deterioration of relations with Russia. The Labour Party leader had called for a pact to promote foreign policy and defence cooperation with the EU.

“At the moment, the British have no relations with the EU in these areas, unlike what the EU has with Norway, and even with the United States and Canada. It is highly desirable to create some kind of structure in which the British participate in meetings of foreign ministers, heads of government and senior officials to talk about common challenges such as Ukraine.“, believes the director of the study center.

Keir Starmer will have the opportunity to address EU leaders at the NATO meeting in Washington next week, and a few days later at the European Political Community meeting in London.