Keir Starmer seeks to ‘flip a nook on Brexit’ in German treaty talks
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed Britain will ‘turn a corner on Brexit‘ as he arrived tonight for talks in Germany as part of a bid to repair what he calls the country’s ‘broken relationships’ with Europe.
The Prime Minister will launch negotiations on a new treaty to boost business and trade with Berlin ahead of a follow-up trip to France.
German chancellor Olaf Scholz will host the Prime Minister this morning for talks they are aimed at improving the lives of hard-working people in both countries.
The two leaders are expected to discuss forging closer ties on defence and security, as well as considering joint action on illegal migration and intercepting gangs through greater intelligence sharing.
The Prime Minister will seek to repair Britain’s ‘broken relationships’ with its European allies. Pictured with Jill Gallard, the British Ambassador to Germany
Prime Minister Keir Starmer walks near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on August 27
Sir Keir will meet with business figures including the boss of Siemens Energy during his trip, too.
Siemens supports one-sixth of global energy generation, and the PM’s visit is among several he has planned to increase investment and create more skilled jobs in the UK. He will also meet Armin Theodor Papperger, the chief executive of Germany’s largest defence and security company Rheinmetall.
It is helping modernise the British Army and has recently made significant investments in its Telford hub to deliver Boxer armoured fighting vehicles.
Sir Keir will say: ‘We have a once in a generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe and strive for ambitious partnerships that deliver for the British people. We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government.
‘Strengthening our relationship with these countries is crucial, not only in tackling illegal migration, but also in boosting economic growth – one of the key missions of my Government.’
Prench President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte pose for a photo with Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he arrives at a reception at the Elysee Palace in Paris
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa outside 10 Downing Street in London, United Kingdom on August 27
It will be the fifth time Sir Keir has met Chancellor Scholz since the election.
Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the UK’s second largest trading partner – accounting for 8.5 per cent of all UK trade. A new treaty between the two countries will be key to Sir Keir’s plan for a wider reset with Europe, and will build on a defence agreement currently being negotiated between the two.
The partnership is expected to increase collaboration on market access, critical science, innovation, clean energy and trade, among other areas. It is hoped it will be agreed early next year.
No 10 said that a treaty of such magnitude has never been agreed between the UK and Germany before.
Later today Sir Keir will travel on to Paris for the Paralympics Opening Ceremony.
And tomorrow morning the PM is set to have breakfast with French business leaders, including major investors into the UK economy.
He will also hold bilateral talks with French president Emmanuel Macron, which will be the leaders’ fourth meeting since the UK general election.
The two-day trip comes after Sir Keir hosted Bahrain’s prime minister Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa at Downing Street to progress inward investment from the Gulf.
