Keir Starmer urged to rule out concessions to the EU on fishing access

by · Mail Online

Sir Keir Starmer opened the door to making concessions to the EU on fishing access and a youth mobility scheme as he vowed to take a 'pragmatic, sensible' approach to dealings with Europe.

He said he wanted to put the UK's relationship with the bloc 'back on a stable, positive footing' during his first trip to Brussels as Prime Minister.

But after admitting there would be 'issues which are difficult to resolve', he refused to confirm that Britain would get its way on EU access to fishing waters and the creation of a youth mobility scheme.

Yesterday's meeting with European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen was the first of a 'regular' schedule of upcoming encounters, he announced. 

Attempting to set out his red lines in any renegotiation of the Brexit deal, Sir Keir said last night: 'There will be issues which are difficult to resolve and areas on which we will stand firm.

Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to rule out making concessions to the EU on fishing access (pictured at the British Embassy in Brussels yesterday)
The Prime Minister shakes hands with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission headquarters during his visit to Brussels
French fishermen block the 'Normandy Trader' boat at the entrance of the port of Saint-Malo

'There will be no return to freedom of movement, no return to the customs union, no return to the single market. But we will find constructive ways to work together and deliver for the British people.'

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The PM confirmed he did not go into detail about fishing or freedom of movement for young people – both thought to be demands from the bloc as the price for a better trading relationship and greater cooperation on defence and security measures.

Ms Von Der Leyen said: 'We have a set of solid agreements in place. We should explore the scope for more co-operation, while we focus on the full and faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework and the TCA.'

On fishing, France is pushing for a long-term deal that would increase access to British waters for European fishing fleets after the current deal ends in 2026. 

The UK currently has youth mobility deals with Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, but has no such scheme with the EU.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a briefing and Q&A at the British Embassy Brussels yesterday

Tory leadership candidate James Cleverly said Sir Keir had 'spent years trying to reverse [Brexit] and his intentions are pretty clear. He will do anything to cosy up to Europe.' 

Shadow environment spokesman Steve Barclay said: 'British boats now have 120,000 tons more quota a year than we would have had as members of the EU.

'Keir Starmer must rule out giving in to Brussels' demands for greater access to our fishing waters.'