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STORY: :: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sets out his vision for a 'reset' of ties with the EU

:: Berlin, Germany

:: August 28, 2024

:: Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister

"When it comes to wider reset with Europe, I'm absolutely clear that we do want a reset. I've been able to repeat that here today. A reset with Europe, a reset with the EU. But that does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union. But it does mean a close relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defense, including exchanges."

"We will also deepen cooperation on shared social challenges, for example on illegal immigration, because we cannot smash the smuggler gangs who perpetrate this vile trade without the help of our partners. And I'm really glad that we had substantive discussions today about how we tackle the smuggling gangs and agree to develop a joint action plan to tackle illegal migration."

"And finally, at the heart of this treaty will be a new defense agreement, an agreement that builds upon our already formidable defense cooperation, but which expands that relationship to face the threats of a volatile world together."

Starmer's two-day trip to the EU's top powers, Germany and France, aims to help Britain move beyond the previous Conservative government's fractious relations with European allies. Starmer, who took office last month, has put improved ties at the heart of his efforts to boost Britain's economic growth.

Starmer, addressing a press conference alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said a reset would not mean reversing Britain's exit from the EU under the Conservatives, or re-entering the bloc's single market or customs union.

"But it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts, including the economy, including defense, including exchanges," he said.

Scholz said Germany wanted to take this outstretched hand.