Arriving in Germany this evening, Sir Keir Starmer vowed that Britain would turn Brexit around as part of his bid to repair what he called the country’s “fractured relationship” with Europe.
Before a subsequent trip to France, the Prime Minister will begin negotiations on a new agreement to promote business and trade with Berlin.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will receive the Prime Minister this morning for talks aimed at improving the lives of hard-working people in both countries.
The two leaders are expected to discuss building closer ties in the areas of defence and security, and also consider joint measures against illegal immigration and the fight against gangs through increased exchange of intelligence.
The Prime Minister will try to repair Britain’s “broken relations” with its European allies. Pictured with Jill Gallard, the British Ambassador to Germany
Prime Minister Keir Starmer walks past the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on August 27
Sir Keir will also meet with business leaders during his trip, including the head of Siemens Energy.
Siemens is responsible for one sixth of the world’s energy production. The Prime Minister’s visit is one of several he has planned to increase his investment and create more skilled jobs in the UK. He will also meet Armin Theodor Papperger, the chief executive of Germany’s largest defence and security company Rheinmetall.
The company is helping to modernise the British Army and has recently made significant investments in its Telford centre to deliver Boxer armoured fighting vehicles.
Sir Keir will say: “We have a unique opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe and pursue ambitious partnerships that will benefit the British people. We must get a grip on Brexit and repair the broken relationships left by the previous government.”
“Strengthening our relations with these countries is crucial not only to combat illegal migration but also to stimulate economic growth – one of the most important tasks of my government.”
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte pose for a photo with Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he arrives for a reception at the Elysée Palace in Paris.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa outside 10 Downing Street in London, UK, on August 27.
It will be the fifth time since the election that Sir Keir has met with Chancellor Scholz.
Germany is Europe’s largest economy and Britain’s second-largest trading partner – accounting for 8.5 percent of all British trade. A new deal between the two countries will be central to Sir Keir’s plan for a broader reset with Europe and will build on a defence agreement currently being negotiated between the two countries.
The partnership is designed to increase cooperation in areas such as market access, critical science, innovation, clean energy and trade, and is hoped to be agreed early next year.
Number 10 said that never before had a deal of this magnitude been agreed between Britain and Germany.
Later today, Sir Keir will travel to Paris for the opening ceremony of the Paralympics.
And tomorrow morning the Prime Minister will have breakfast with French business leaders, including major investors in the British economy.
He will also hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. It will be the fourth meeting between the two leaders since the British general election.
The two-day trip comes after Sir Keir welcomed Bahraini Prime Minister Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa to Downing Street to promote foreign direct investment from the Gulf region.
