New opportunities for EU-UK relations after the British elections |
Opinion
Last update: July 3, 2024
New opportunities for EU-UK relations after the British elections
By Nicolai von Ondarza
Nicolai von Ondarza is head of the EU/Europe research group at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik)
The European super election year continues: On Thursday, the United Kingdom will elect a new parliament. After fourteen years of Tory-led governments and Brexit, all polls indicate an absolute majority for Labour. This presents opportunities for a renewal of EU-UK cooperation, particularly in foreign and security policy – if both sides show flexibility.
Polls predict a significant victory for the Labour Party under Keir Starmer. However, even with a change in government, no fundamental reversal of Brexit is expected. Labour has already ruled out a return to the EU single market or the customs union, as well as any form of cooperation that would require a return to free movement or dynamic alignment with EU regulations.
