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Posted: Tue 4th Feb 2025
European Union relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has said the government hopes to sign off an agreement that improves the relationship between the UK and EU at a meeting of European leaders in May.
Speaking at the EU-UK Forum in Brussels, Thomas-Symonds said that at the event in the UK on 19 May, the government aims to "deliver a balanced, yet ambitious outcome to benefit all of our citizens".
The minister told the meeting that there is a need to "do better" on issues including trade and immigration. He said:
"In her growth speech, my friend the chancellor didn't shy away from the economic challenges that we are confronting. She said: "Growth will not come without a fight. Without a government willing to take the right decisions now to change our country's future for the better. But for too long, that potential has been held back."
"On the same day, the president von der Leyen presented the 'Competitiveness Compass' saying that, and I quote: "Europe has everything it needs to succeed. But, at the same time, we must fix our weaknesses to regain competitiveness."
"The 'Competitive Compass' sets out the importance of "trade openness", "not only for sustaining Europe's prosperity, but also for enhancing its resilience" .
"We know that low growth is not the destiny for our economies. Research and innovation, reducing red tape, a new skills agenda, boosting productivity, a more resilient economy. All these elements found in the Compass are also crucial parts of the prime minister's plan for change. These are areas of mutual interest to both of our economies."
For businesses, the minister referenced a report by Business Europe which said: "There remain many unnecessary barriers to trade and investment. Following the elections of new governments in the EU and UK, there is a clear opportunity to upgrade the relationship to deliver for businesses and citizens."
Thomas-Symonds concluded:
"The time for ideologically-driven division is over, the time for ruthless pragmatism is now.
"It is through a new partnership between the UK and the EU that we will deliver for the people of the United Kingdom, and for people across the continent.
"The future of the EU and the UK lies beyond the status quo, reaching forward to deliver benefits for all our people to share.
"So, let us rise to our shared challenges and grasp this opportunity, because together we will create a stronger UK and we will create a stronger Europe."
The confirmation of the UK-EU summit in May follows Keir Starmer attending a dinner on Monday with the EU's 27 leaders. It was the first time a British prime minister has been to a meeting of the European Council since Brexit.
In its general election manifesto, Labour pledged to deliver "an improved and ambitious relationship with our European partners", but some opposition parties, including Reform, have criticised attempts at "resetting" relations between the UK and EU.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said Starmer attending the dinner was "an act of humiliation".
