UK seeks deeper EU ties under Labour, new minister says

The United Kingdom is poised to pursue a more ambitious and faster approach to strengthening ties with the European Union under the leadership of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, according to the newly appointed chief negotiator for post-Brexit talks.

Hamish Falconer, who also holds a cabinet position overseeing EU reset discussions, expressed confidence that there is scope for significant progress within Labour's established 'red lines,' which preclude re-engaging on the single market and customs union. He indicated a focus on the 'art of the possible' in negotiations.

Falconer highlighted services as a key area for potential advancement, suggesting possibilities such as visa-free travel for British professionals working in the EU and the mutual recognition of qualifications. He articulated a desire for a 'deeper relationship' and stated, 'I would want a deeper relationship, a more ambitious relationship with the EU.' He also noted the EU's own internal discussions on enhancing productivity, an area where the UK also faces challenges.

As the son of Labour figure Charlie Falconer and a former Middle East minister and diplomat with Foreign Office negotiation experience, Falconer aims to inject a 'sense of renewed pace' into the talks. The second annual UK-EU summit, initially planned for July, was postponed following Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister in June, with no new date yet set.

Falconer emphasized that while committed to manifesto red lines, his negotiation experience, including past dealings with the Taliban, informs his approach. He characterized the EU negotiations as being with 'friends' who share values and solidarity, contrasting it with more adversarial negotiations.

EU diplomats had previously voiced concerns about a loss of momentum in talks under Starmer, with delays to the second summit attributed to stalled discussions on a youth mobility scheme. Falconer has already engaged with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, and bloc officials hope he will bring fresh energy.

One EU diplomat noted that the UK's previous negotiators sometimes 'kept trying to add things' like services agreements, rather than focusing on securing achievable deals. The next summit is anticipated to be held in October, allowing Falconer time to familiarize himself with the details and for Burnham to shape his foreign policy agenda.

A critical objective is to finalize the terms of a youth mobility deal, which would permit tens of thousands of young Europeans and Britons to reside and work in each other's territories. Progress has been hindered by the UK's hesitation to allow EU students to pay the same lower fees as domestic students, a stance opposed by universities facing financial constraints. Falconer acknowledged these financial pressures, stating the deal must 'work for both sides' and that he is mindful of the issues faced by universities, particularly in his constituency of Lincoln.

He also intends to apply Burnham's 'Makerfield test,' ensuring that negotiations yield tangible benefits for individuals grappling with the cost of living, especially in his heavily Leave-voting constituency. Falconer stressed the importance of 'European solidarity,' extending beyond trade to encompass shared values in defense, security, and collaborative efforts to address global challenges like climate-induced wildfires.

While initial progress has been made in resetting the relationship, Falconer stated the focus must now shift to delivery. Securing Downing Street's support to provide him with the necessary political latitude is seen as crucial by EU diplomats. Falconer expressed confidence in his ability to deliver, drawing on his extensive experience in challenging negotiations within the Foreign Office. He underscored the significance of the broader European agenda, including security, defense, and technology, where Britain plays a vital role.