EU and UK Relationship?
Introduction
Keir Starmer’s immigration policy is unlikely to lead to the UK rejoining the EU as a member. There are several key points to consider:
Starmer’s Stance on EU Membership
Starmer has firmly ruled out rejoining the EU, the customs union, or the single market. He has consistently maintained this position since becoming Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Immigration Policy Approach
Starmer’s immigration policy aims to reduce net migration and address issues with the current system, rather than reverting to pre-Brexit policies:
He has criticized the previous Conservative government for allowing immigration levels to get “completely out of control”.
Starmer has pledged to cut immigration, stating “read my lips: I will cut immigration”.
His government plans to overhaul the points-based immigration system introduced after Brexit.
Relationship with the EU
While Starmer seeks to improve relations with the EU, this does not extend to full membership:
He aims to reset Britain’s relations with the EU on topics like migration, security, and agricultural trade.
Starmer has expressed interest in closer cooperation with EU agencies like Europol to tackle illegal migration and people-smuggling gangs.
There are discussions about potential agreements on food standards and youth mobility, but these fall short of full EU membership.
Challenges and Constraints
Starmer faces several challenges in implementing his immigration policy:
Balancing economic needs with public concerns about migration control.
Addressing the backlog of asylum cases and improving the efficiency of the system.
Negotiating with the EU on issues like returns agreements and border security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Starmer’s government is seeking to reform immigration policies and improve relations with the EU, there is no indication that this will lead to the UK rejoining the EU as a member. The focus appears to be on managed migration and bilateral agreements rather than full EU integration.