Starmer rules out return to the EU, but defends relationship with Europe

British Prime Minister Keir Strmer rejected the possibility of the United Kingdom to return to the European Union (EU), noting that this was “decided” in a referendum, but defended a close relationship with the community bloc.

Stmerer made these statements to the press when he received Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz at his field residence in Checkers, outside London, to discuss the war in Ukraine, the new EU relationship and the situation in the Middle East.

“Since I became Prime Minister, I have been very clear that I want to ‘reset’ the relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU. This does not mean a return to the European Union: we realize a referendum here (in 2016) about it and the question It is resolved. But I want to see a narrower relationship in defense and safety, energy, commerce and economy, and that’s what we are working on, “said Stmerer.

The meeting with Scholz takes place three weeks before the German elections and a day before the informal dinner that Starmer will participate on Monday with the European Council leaders in Brussels, where measures will be discussed to bring the UK and EU closer.

The British Prime Minister, who came to power in July last year, added that improving ties between the two parts is “the best thing for the UK, I think it’s the best thing for the EU and I hope it in the last seven Months had a clear difference in approach, tone and relationship. “

Starmer also said he is excited for dinner on Monday in Brussels and for a “broader restoration of relations between the United Kingdom and the EU”, while Scholz said his visit to Checkers represented “a good sign for excellent relations between our two countries and, in fact, between the two of us. “

Starmer thanked the German chancellor for traveling to the UK for this “important meeting, especially when he is in the middle of an election campaign.”

“When I took the position of Prime Minister, seven months ago, I was determined to strengthen the relationship between our two countries, which was already very good, but I thought it could be stronger on several fronts,” he said.

Stmerer admitted that the United Kingdom and Germany have a “common” view of current issues and challenges, including the war in Ukraine after the invasion of Russia, and reported that the two countries made “great progress” in science and technology.

The two leaders had lunch in Checkers, a mansion in Buckinghamshire, and walked through the property gardens.