- Sir Keir Starmer's proposed “reset” with the EU may require the UK to make annual payments of about £1bn for increased access to the single market, a condition European negotiators are reportedly insisting upon.
- The potential payments have drawn criticism, with shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel accusing the prime minister of “unpicking Brexit and planning another undemocratic hit job on British taxpayers”.
- Starmer is attending the European Political Community summit in Armenia to discuss new UK-EU relations and has launched a bid for the UK to join the EU's €90bn (£78bn) loan scheme for Ukraine.
- European leaders have previously indicated that any further UK access to the single market would necessitate an “appropriate financial contribution” reflecting the UK's economic size.
- While advocating for “deeper economic integration” and aligning with the single market where beneficial, Starmer has ruled out rejoining a customs union, citing existing trade deals.
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