The leaders of Britain and Germany agreed yesterday in Berlin to work on an ambitious agreement that will cover issues from defense to trade, and which would be part of the reset of British relations with the European Union.
Prime Minister's visit Kira Starmera to the EU's leading powers, Germany and France, aims to help Britain overcome the previous Conservative government's fragile relationship with its European allies. Starmer, who took office last month, has put improving relations at the heart of his efforts to boost Britain's economic growth.
He called the new cooperation agreement "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support workers in Britain and Germany", as it would deepen cooperation in science, technology, business and culture, while increasing trade.
Starmer said that economic growth is the "number one mission" of his government.
"And what we clearly understand is that building relationships with our partners here in Germany and across Europe is key to achieving that," he said.
Starmer, speaking at a press conference alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said a reset in relations did not mean Britain returning to the EU after an official exit in 2020 under a Conservative government, nor rejoining the bloc's single market or customs union.
"But it means a closer relationship on multiple fronts, including the economy, defense and exchanges," he said.
Soltz said that Germany wants to accept the extended hand.
"The United Kingdom has always been an indispensable part of solving major problems that affect the whole of Europe," he said. "That didn't change after leaving the EU."
Britain and Germany, NATO allies and Western Europe's biggest defense spenders, are looking for ways to deepen defense cooperation ahead of a possible reduction in US military support to Ukraine if former US President Donald Trump returns to the White House in January.
Starmer also said the two countries would deepen cooperation on common social challenges, such as people smuggling, and agreed to develop a joint action plan to combat illegal migration.
Starmer traveled to Paris last night for the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games and today he will meet the CEOs of companies such as Thales, Eutelsat, Mistral AI and Sanofi. He will also speak with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Bonus video:
