Should Labour win the upcoming election, the EU hopes to secure a closer relationship with the UK government after almost a decade of frosty relations.
Tories Drove a Wedge
The deep Euroscepticism running through the Tory party has made our relationship with our closest neighbour difficult over the last few years.
Divisive Language Used Frequently
In the white heat of the Brexit drama, there were elements of the Conservative party who likened the EU to Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. That’s hardly the language you’d use if you were after good terms on a trade deal.
Recent Thawing of Relationship
Some sources suggest that the UK-EU relationship is improving thanks to a more conciliatory tone offered by the Sunak administration.
Optimism Working Together Continues to Secure Relationship
German Green MEP Terry Reintke said: “There are so many areas where we have to work together more closely. One very obvious example is foreign and security policy.”
Ukraine Bringing States Closer
Ironically, the shared enemy of Russia has also helped to bring closer ties between the UK and Europe, as Defence Ministers work together to supply Ukraine with arms and training.
War an Opportunity for Progressive Relationship
Reintke continued: “With the war in Ukraine, it has just become more obvious that we have to work closely together as allies.”
Hope for Closer Ties With Labour
Ahead of a potential change of government and, therefore, of the UK’s relationship with Europe, an EU diplomat said: “If the UK is looking for a more positive relationship, they will be pushing an open door at this end.”
Closer Relationship Doesn’t Mean One-Way Traffic of Benefit
“There is potentially a lot available in terms of closer relationships … But that has been available at any time, and of course there are responsibilities and rules attached to it from the UK side.”
Suspicion of Europe From the Tories
The EU diplomat said: “There is often a sense in the UK, from what we see, that the EU offered a worse deal to the Tories because the Tories are so negative. I just don’t think that that’s reality.”
Positions Changed the Deal – Not the Politics
“It had everything to do with the positions taken by the UK government and nothing to do with politics of the UK government.”
EU Optimism Labour Comes With Credible Proposals
Another EU diplomat said: “If a Labour government comes with ideas and credible proposals – and I can’t underscore the word ‘credible’ enough – we would be willing to discuss and entertain those conversations.”
Labour Still Keeping a Credible Distance From EU
Whilst there’s still strong scepticism about the EU in the UK, Labour has been careful not to align with it too closely.
David Lammy Outlines EU Relationship Idea
Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: “The centrepiece of this relationship should be a security pact that drives closer coordination across a wide variety of military, economic, climate, health, cyber, and energy security issues, and that complements both parties’ unshakable commitment to Nato.”
National Feelings About Brexit Changing
In a YouGov poll, over 60% of people think that Brexit has been a failure, and those figures will change every year as being outside the UK hurts us more.
Office for Budget Responsibility Highlights Harm
The OBR has said that productivity is around 4% lower per year than it is outside the EU. Trade is also impacted by around 15% per year, and the total cost to the UK is north of £100bn annually.
Euroscepticism Prominent in Older Generations
The increase in leave voters climbed with each increase in age demographic. In the referendum, 73% of 18-24-year-olds voted to remain, and only 40% of 65 years and older.
Opinions Shifted After the Event
In a recent poll from Statista, 55% of Brits think we made the wrong decision to leave the EU. It’s safe to assume that these people would welcome closer ties with Europe as and when the new government is elected. It’s no longer the political hand grenade it was.
The Elephant in Every Room
With Brexit being a self-inflicted wound and becoming more apparent with each passing year, don’t be surprised if we see closer ties with Europe. Since 2016, the political and demographic picture has changed a lot, and it’s not such a controversial issue anymore.
In a Global World, We Need Friends
If Ukraine has taught us anything, having good allies is important. Rather than get misty-eyed over a Britannia that doesn’t exist, maybe it’s time to rebuild bridges and secure relationships with European neighbours.
25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore
Remember the days when you could freely discuss just about anything without fear of sparking controversy? Well, those days are long gone. In today’s hyper-sensitive world, there are topics so fraught with tension that even mentioning them can lead to heated debates and hurt feelings. 25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore
Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History
Ever had a car that spent more time with the mechanic than on the road? A car that turned every journey into a game of “Will we actually get there?” If so, you might just see a familiar face (or should we say, chassis) in our countdown to the most unreliable British car in history. Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History
“Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has warned that Britain will become “unrecognizable,” criticizing the amount of work visas the Home Office has approved, despite only being removed from her role in November. “Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued
20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today
Step into the time machine and set the dial to the 1970s, a decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and some rather questionable choices. While the ’70s gave us iconic music and groundbreaking TV, not everything from this groovy era would get a green light today. 20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today
20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK
Navigating the UK university landscape is like deciphering a complex code of rankings, reviews, and reputations to uncover where you’ll not just learn, but truly flourish. Whether you’re drawn to the historic halls of Oxford or the creative buzz of Goldsmiths, finding your perfect fit is about aligning your aspirations with the unique offerings of each institution. 20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK
The post Brexit Fallout: EU Looking to Mend UK Relationship With Potential Labour Government first appeared on Edge Media.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / vchal.