Labour minister insists EU alignment is ‘where the magic happens’ | UK | News
Trade Minister Peter Kyle reportedly declared that aligning with European Union rules was “where the magic happens” as he announced a new deal with Brussels and hinted at further concessions down the line.
The Express understands Kyle believes the British public has given up on Brexit, throwing its weight behind Sir Keir Starmer’s bid to restore ties with the bloc. He is also said to have indicated that the Prime Minister may go further and offer additional concessions in pursuit of deeper economic, energy and defense links.
Labor went into the last election promising to reshape the UK’s relationship with Brussels, but its manifesto made no mention of this being achieved through compliance with the rules.
Asked if voters agreed on the direction of travel, Kyle reportedly said: “The public voted in the election for a government that reset with the EU as its core foreign policy. So I think the public are always looking forward and they’re not actually nostalgic for the past.”
Big U-turn
Kyle framed the reset as a response to global instability, citing trade frictions with the US and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as reasons for a “pragmatic approach” to EU relations, according to the report.
He added: “They definitely want an assertive British approach that is different, confident, but also respectful of what most people accept as our values and sees them in action.
“I think that’s how we approach the EU. In every relationship we have as a country, the relationship only works when we need to see it on both sides. So having the two sides aligned is where the magic happens.”
The land has already been transferred
The reset has already progressed quickly. EU fishing fleets have been guaranteed 12 years of access to UK waters, while the UK has committed to complying with Brussels rules on animal and plant health, electricity and carbon pricing.
At the Munich Security Conference, Sir Keir signaled that he was open to going further and Kyle’s visit to Brussels reinforced that message. On Wednesday it signed a new cooperation agreement with the European Commission covering competition law; Future regulations on artificial intelligence, life sciences, climate, drones and robotics were among the possibilities.
Farage says ‘Betrayal’
For Brexit supporters, the situation is worrying. Many fear the Government will systematically undo what has been achieved when the UK leaves the EU after nearly 50 years of membership.
Reform leader Nigel Farage told The Telegraph: “Mr Kyle is being completely dishonest. The manifesto was clear and said there would be no return to the single market. This realignment means we are eclipsing Brussels in an increasing number of areas. Betrayal is the word.”
Former Brexit negotiator Lord Frost said: “Every time Labor ministers go to Brussels they signal another negotiating concession. It is now clear that they are preparing to breach their manifesto quite blatantly by joining one aspect of the EU’s single market. Nobody voted for it. Labor should focus on rebuilding the economy from the disasters they have caused, rather than hoping the EU will somehow rush to their rescue.”
‘Made in Europe’ scheme
According to The Telegraph, winning a place in the EU’s “Made in Europe” program was at the heart of Kyle’s Brussels agenda; It was a program that could cut British manufacturers out of European supply chains by imposing strict requirements on locally sourced components for goods such as cars, reducing dependence on China and the US in the process.
Britain and Japan are among those seeking firm assurance that companies with deep roots in the European market will not find themselves frozen out.
“No one knows better than the EU that you can solve challenges when you work with like-minded partners,” Kyle said. “We should always focus on this particular moment, even past times, on solutions rather than creating barriers.”
He stressed that Britain was not seeking “free access” to EU markets. “This is a moment where we are trying to focus on new areas of collaboration rather than trying to restrict what we already have,” he said.
When pressed about what England might have to give up in return, Kyle said little. “I hope you see from my attitude while I’m here that I’m really looking for where the fit is and where the opportunities are,” he said.
What did the manifesto promise?
Labour’s 2024 manifesto was clear: “Britain will remain outside the EU. There will be no return to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement.” It has committed to removing trade barriers through a veterinary agreement, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and an agreement covering touring artists.
But he also left room for interpretation: “We will be confident in our standing outside the EU, but we will once again be Europe’s leading country, with improved and assertive relations with our European partners. We will reset the relationship and seek to deepen our ties with our European friends, neighbors and allies.”
