Brussels insiders are sceptical about whether Sir Keir Starmer really does want to reset Britain’s relationship with the European Union, it has been claimed – with one branding the idea “a bit of a facade”.
And the Prime Minister is also understood to have ruffled feathers by rejecting the chance to continent-wide educational exchange programme Erasmus.
EU officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Politico website there are widespread doubts about how serious Sir Keir really is when it comes to repairing relations.
One said despite the “relatively positive” rhetoric, “the problem is people are starting to think it’s a bit of a facade because when you move onto specific portfolios – whether that’s youth mobility or Erasmus – the answer is always ‘no.’”
There could be trouble ahead “if these narratives are not turned into actions when we move from rhetoric to business”, the source warned.
Erasmus, named after the Dutch philosopher Erasmus of Rotterdam, is an initiative by the European Union aimed at enhancing education, training, and youth opportunities across Europe.
Established in 1987, the programme primarily focuses on student exchanges, allowing university students to study or work abroad in participating EU countries and beyond.
An EU diplomat said the UK’s decision not to sign up for the scheme had “registered” in Brussels – and not in a good way, with officials “surprised” by what was widely seen as a snub.
The diplomat added: “Constructive rhetoric is all very nice but as long as fundamentally nothing changes in the UK position, I don’t see how the status quo changes.”
Sir Keir has yet to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – although the first EU official downplayed the significance of this.
They explained: “Von der Leyen doesn’t have time to meet anyone at the moment, she’s got to put a college together” and would have “absolutely nothing to say” until her Commission was in place.
Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe think tank, agreed, saying: “The UK has no one to negotiate with until a new Commission is in place.
“Not least as we’re not a priority for the EU.”
A UK government spokesperson said: “We’ve had very positive engagement in our early conversations as we work to reset the relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and tackle barriers to trade.”
Sir Keir has expressed support for a closer alignment with the EU’s Single Market, suggesting that this could benefit the UK economy by improving trade and reducing barriers for businesses – although he has denied he wants to rejoin the bloc.
He has also shown openness to exploring closer ties through a customs arrangement with the EU, which could help in reducing trade frictions and border checks.
Sir Keir Starmer has advocated for more constructive dialogue with EU leaders and emphasised the importance of building a positive and collaborative relationship with the EU.
