The UK's relationship with the EU is set to undergo a significant transformation under Andy Burnham's leadership, with a renewed focus on achieving closer ties and a more ambitious approach, according to the new chief post-Brexit negotiator, Hamish Falconer. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Falconer outlined his vision for a 'deeper and more ambitious relationship' with the EU, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in services and the potential for visa-free travel and mutual recognition of qualifications for British citizens working in the EU.
As the son of Labour grandee Charlie Falconer and a former Middle East minister and diplomat, Falconer brings a wealth of experience to the role. He aims to inject a 'sense of renewed pace' into the negotiations, despite the lack of a new summit date. The long-awaited reset summit, initially scheduled for July, was postponed following Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister in June.
Falconer's appointment comes at a critical time, with EU diplomats expressing concern over the stalled talks under Starmer. The second annual summit of EU and UK leaders has been repeatedly delayed due to disagreements over a youth mobility scheme, highlighting the challenges in resolving the terms of a deal that would allow tens of thousands of young people to live and work in each other's territories.
One of the key issues is the UK's reluctance to allow EU students to pay the lower fees charged to UK students, a matter that has caused friction between the two sides. Falconer acknowledges the financial pressures on the university sector and emphasizes the need for mutual respect and understanding of each side's constraints.
In his role, Falconer plans to apply Burnham's 'Makerfield test' to the EU negotiations, ensuring that the deals reached would deliver tangible benefits to ordinary people struggling with the cost of living, particularly in his heavily leave-voting constituency. He also stresses the importance of 'European solidarity', which goes beyond trade and encompasses shared values such as defense, security, and addressing global challenges like wildfires caused by the climate crisis.
Despite the challenges, Falconer is confident in his ability to negotiate and deliver. With experience as a Foreign Office negotiator and a cabinet-level role, he believes that the character of the wider relationship is crucial. He aims to boost the UK's participation in solving Europe-wide challenges outside the EU, recognizing the UK's importance to the broader European agenda.
However, the path to a deeper relationship is not without obstacles. The UK's inability to reach agreement on its entry into the €150bn Safe fund for defense investment, blamed on France setting too high a price, serves as a reminder of the complexities involved. Falconer acknowledges the need for political support and the creation of the necessary space for negotiations, a challenge that his predecessor, Nick Thomas-Symonds, faced.
As the negotiations progress, Falconer's focus on delivering tangible change and his commitment to 'European solidarity' will be crucial in shaping the future of the UK's relationship with the EU. The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for both sides, impacting areas such as trade, mobility, and the broader European agenda.
