Britain plans to introduce the European Partnership Bill to strengthen ties with the European Union as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks a closer reset with Brussels after Labour’s election losses last week. [1, 2]
The government says the bill would let EU agreements be put into effect now and in future, give parliament a say before EU law is applied in the UK, and require parliamentary approval for any new treaties. [1, 2]
Starmer has cast rebuilding ties with Europe as central to his plan for the country. He said Labour would be defined by “rebuilding our relationship with Europe” and “putting Britain at the heart of Europe,” adding that the country should be stronger on the economy, trade and defence. [3, 1, 4, 2, 5]
His government is keeping clear red lines. Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU single market or customs union and has also rejected restoring freedom of movement. Officials have said Britain needs to align by default with EU regulations in some industries to support growth. [1, 4, 2]
The push comes after Labour suffered heavy losses in Scottish, Welsh and local English elections last week, increasing pressure on Starmer from some lawmakers. He told supporters he knew he had doubters and would prove them wrong. [1, 2, 5]
Starmer is also looking to use the next EU-UK summit to set out tighter links with the bloc. BBC said he viewed the summit this summer as the place to lay out the plan, while CNBC reported he wants to set a new direction at an EU summit in July. King Charles is scheduled to set out the government’s legislative programme on Wednesday, including the bill. [3, 4, 5]
