Starmer and von der Leyen Discuss EU-UK Relationship Reset

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss a range of issues including trade, security, and youth mobility. While Starmer aims to tweak the current Brexit deal, he has ruled out returning to the EU's single market. The talks are seen as a step towards a more pragmatic relationship between the UK and EU.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday to discuss key issues such as trade, security, and youth mobility. The meeting is part of Starmer's broader effort to reset the UK's relationship with the EU post-Brexit.

Starmer has explicitly stated that his government will not renegotiate the entire Brexit deal but is looking for adjustments in several areas, including a joint security pact and reducing border checks through a new veterinary agreement. Talks on easing movement barriers for goods and people could be more challenging.

Starmer has already met with leaders in Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Dublin to lay the groundwork for this reset. Both sides acknowledge that substantive changes will require tough negotiations, but there is a shared interest in more pragmatic, cooperative relationships moving forward.

(With inputs from agencies.)