Starmer says reset relationship with EU will ‘not be easy’ ahead of Von der Leyen talks next week

The pair met on the margins of the United Nations general assembly in New York City this week, when Starmer said they discussed resetting the EU-UK relationship.

Speaking to reporters including GB News in New York ahead of the meeting, Starmer said: “I’m going to get into the details of what that might look like in the future, but I want to ensure that we’ve got a closer trading relationship if it’s possible.

“One of the difficulties in these circumstances is trying to do a running commentary on the process that hasn’t begun, which is a big mistake, but I want to ensure that we’ve got a closer trading relationship if we can.”

Asked if he felt a reset relationship was possible, he said: “I think it’s possible.

“I’m not going to pretend it’s easy, but I think it’s possible.”

In an exchange on social media after their UN meeting, Starmer said: “I want to reset our relationship with the EU and make Brexit work for the British people.

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World leaders met at the UN in New York

PA

Von der Leyen replied that she “looked forward to welcoming you”.