Starmer in Berlin and Paris to “turn a corner on Brexit”

Brussels – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be in Paris today where he will see President Emmanuel Macron after a visit to Berlin where he met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the morning, to revive the relationship with the European Union after what he called “14 years of rot” due to the effects of Brexit.

In a message released ahead of his trip today to attend the opening ceremony of the Paralympics, Starmer explained that his government has “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe and strive for genuine, ambitious partnerships that deliver for the British people.”

According to the Prime Minister, “We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government. That work started at the European Political Community meeting last month, and I am determined to continue it, which is why I am visiting Germany and France this week..”

“Strengthening our relationship with these countries is crucial, not only in tackling the global problem of illegal migration but also in boosting economic growth across the continent and crucially in the UK – one of the key missions of my government.”

In a press conference after the meeting with Scholz, Starmer announced a new agreement between the UK and Germany, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for working people in Britain and Germany.” According to the Prime Minister, this “new agreement is a testament to the depth and potential of our relationship. With deeper links on science, technology, development, people, business [and] culture. A boost to our trading relations.”

Starmer went on to say that “Germany, of course already the UK’s second-largest trading partner in the world, and through that a chance to create jobs here and in the United Kingdom. And to deliver that most precious of goods for both of our countries: economic growth.”

Scholz confirmed the good atmosphere of the meeting, stating that “Germany and the United Kingdom are good friends, close partners and trusted allies. The both of us will be working hard to ensure that this relationship continues to thrive.”