The Foreign Affairs Select Committee, a group of UK lawmakers who focus on international relations, is asking for written input from experts and the public about the UK’s relationship with Europe.
They want this information by April 8. This request comes as part of an investigation into how the UK is managing its ties with the European Union (EU) and other global powers like the US and China.
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has been talking about improving the UK’s relationship with the EU, which has been strained since Brexit.
However, this “reset” is now being closely examined by the committee, especially considering the challenges posed by former US President Donald Trump’s views on Europe and the growing influence of China. The committee wants to understand how the UK plans to keep strong relationships with both the US and the EU, and whether moving away from EU rules could harm trade with China.
The committee, led by Emily Thornberry, who is known for her pro-EU stance, has pointed out that Brexit has left the UK without a clear way to work with the EU on important shared issues. They also mentioned that current trade arrangements between the UK and the EU are causing problems for businesses.
Experts are being asked to share their thoughts on what the UK’s long-term goals should be in rebuilding its relationship with the EU and what kind of agreements might be needed to support this. The committee has set a limit of 3,000 words for these written submissions.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has made it clear that he does not want the UK to rejoin the EU’s single market or customs union. Instead, he is focused on improving cooperation with Europe in areas like security, law enforcement, and trade. For example, he wants better collaboration on fighting crime, stopping money laundering, and managing migration. He also wants to make it easier for UK professionals and artists to work in the EU.
However, there are reports that Starmer’s government might agree to a youth mobility scheme with the EU, which would allow young people to move more freely between the UK and Europe for work or study. The EU is also hoping to negotiate better fishing rights and may want the European Court of Justice to have more influence in the UK.
In addition to these issues, Starmer has been playing a key role in Europe’s response to the war in Ukraine. Recently, he hosted a meeting with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the situation.
Overall, the Foreign Affairs Select Committee’s inquiry highlights the challenges the UK faces in balancing its relationships with the EU, the US, and China, while also addressing domestic concerns like trade and security. The written evidence they collect will help shape their recommendations on how the UK should move forward.
