The European Union could review the aspects of its trade deal with the UK if Labour wins the next general election, insiders have said.
Boris Johnson’s 2020 deal is due to be re-appraised by 2026 in what is, on the surface, a routine technical process to ensure it works as intended.
But diplomats and other insiders believe the occasion offers a greater opportunity whereby the EU and UK could mend stalling relations.
They told the i paper their hopes are pinned on a potential Sir Keir Starmer premiership – a prospect that seems more likely by the day.
The possibility of drawing closer to the EU has not been welcomed by some Brexiteers, who have said it would mean Britons “take more pointless EU regulations with no say in them”.
Insiders have said that rejoining the single market or customs union is not on the table, but diplomats are billing the bureaucratic process of renegotiating the Trade and Co-operation Agreement as something that could be much more significant.
A senior diplomat told the i the 2026 review is a “big opportunity” for Sir Keir if he wins the upcoming general election, whenever that may be.
They said: “The 2026 review of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement is a big opportunity for Starmer, potentially. If they decide to leave it to the bureaucracy, it will be very technical.
“But if there is political will to make real changes to the relationship then that will be extremely significant.”
Ultimately, the diplomat added, what is achieved during the review depends on the “political momentum of a new Government”.
But the scope would be limited, other Brussels insiders have said, and constrained to improving the UK’s business relations with the bloc.
They said the conversation could include new joint regulations across several sectors, including automotive manufacturing safety standards, food and plant product health checks, and cross-border financial services trading.
Reacting to the news, on X, formerly known as Twitter, Brexiteers have said they believe the trade review will be a chance for the UK to “take more pointless EU regulations with no say in them”.
Another social media user said: “Blah blah blah….ever closer union…..costing £x per month…..No thanks.”
In late 2023, Sir Keir said Labour does not favour the UK as a “rule-taker” and added: “There is no case for going back into the EU, and that includes the single market and customs union.”
