Daily Mirror – Starmer in Germany: Brexit reset
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK will work more closely with the EU on migrant crossings and trade but ruled out rejoining the bloc, reports the Daily Mirror. The paper says Starmer flew to Berlin to kick off negotiations on a “once-in-a-lifetime” new treaty with Germany – and Chancellor Scholz said his country would “take this hand reached out to us”.
Keir Starmer hatches plan to stop migrant boats with Germany in Brexit reset deal
Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz drew up plans to co-operate on tackling illegal migration yesterday, as the PM made a bid to reset relations with Berlin.
Speaking at a joint press conference in the German Chancellery, Mr Starmer said both sides hoped a “once-in-a-lifetime” new treaty would be agreed by the end of the year, which would include advantageous agreements on trade, security and science and technology. The deal with Germany marks the start of Downing Street’s bid to reset relations with the EU, rebuilding partnerships with countries across the bloc.
Chancellor Scholz said Germany wants to “take this hand reached out to us.” A joint statement issued following talks between the two leaders yesterday said the two nations shared “a strong friendship, common values and mutual interests.”
And it said the treaty would reflect Britain and Germany’s status as “the closest of partners in Europe.” But Mr Starmer insisted the bilateral agreement would not represent a watering down of Brexit. And he vowed there talks toward a deal would not include access to the single market or customs union – or any return of free movement. But he said a closer relationship with European allies was vital for boosting economic growth in Britain.
Keir Starmer looking at ways to let more pensioners keep winter fuel payments
Downing Street is looking at ways to get more vulnerable pensioners onto pension credit so they can still claim winter fuel payments, Keir Starmer has indicated.
And after days of gloomy briefings and downbeat speeches on the state of Britain, the PM gave a glimmer of hope – promising things would be better before the end of the Parliament in five years time.
Speaking during his visit to Germany, the PM said: “We do want to get as many, pensioners who are eligible onto Pension Credit as possible. And it’s really important that we do that.
“And we’re looking at the best way of increasing those numbers to make sure that those, that are vulnerable, get the protection are therefore excluded and shielded from, the decision, as we go forward.”
Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ about rise of a popular far-right party in the UK
Keir Starmer is “concerned” a popular far-right party could rise in the UK.
But he believes such a threat could be seen off by a competent government delivering on its promises.
He made the remarks in Germany, which has seen the far-right AFD (Alternative for Germany) party surging in the polls ahead of the country’s federal elections next year.
Speaking to reporters, the PM said: “There are a number of reasons for my concern, partly what’s happening in the UK, partly what you can see happening in other European countries, including in France and in Germany.
“I think that the challenge has to be met by democracy and by progressives.
“We have to have a joint discussion about what that means across Europe, and beyond which I’m very keen to pursue with progressive parties.”
Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
If you are someone who reads every perspective of a story, here is a news summary of all of today’s front pages from today’s newspapers; summarised in a 2-minute read
Editorial 29 August 2024.
Most of Thursday’s newspapers lead on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s trip to Europe this week where he aims to ‘reset’ Britain’s relationship with the EU. The prime minister said: “We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind” but made clear it’s not a reversal of Brexit.
There is ongoing coverage of the upcoming Autumn Budget as the papers speculate on tax hikes and who will carry the burden of the £22bn black hole the government is looking to plug.
The back pages cover the latest from the Premier League and Emma Raducanu crashing out of the US Open.