Britain’s major trade unions are advocating for stronger ties between the UK and Europe, citing an increasingly unstable global economy as a key reason for closer collaboration. In a significant policy shift, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is set to release a joint statement with European trade unions, emphasizing the necessity of a more integrated UK-EU relationship.
As Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares for renewed discussions with Brussels, the TUC will push for new employment opportunities for workers on both sides of the Channel. However, while advocating for improved labor mobility, the unions will not call for a reinstatement of full freedom of movement.
Since taking office, Starmer has prioritized rebuilding ties with the EU, focusing on enhanced trade and defense cooperation. While the UK is eager to streamline trade relations, the EU has proposed a youth mobility scheme to facilitate greater travel and work opportunities.
Recent geopolitical developments, particularly Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency, have further reinforced the need for stronger UK-European coordination. European leaders have pledged increased military spending in response to Russia’s ongoing threats, signaling a shift towards greater self-reliance. Starmer has been actively engaging with EU officials, including European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as leaders from Canada, Turkey, Norway, and Iceland, to discuss collective security measures.
Additionally, the UK has been collaborating closely with French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders to ensure continued support for Ukraine, despite uncertainties surrounding US foreign policy under Trump.
Although Starmer has firmly stated that he will not seek to reverse Brexit, his administration is steering the UK towards closer European cooperation, in contrast to the previous Conservative government’s approach. The TUC, which was a strong proponent of remaining in the EU during the 2016 referendum, has been a driving force behind this renewed engagement. However, divisions persist, with some union members maintaining Eurosceptic views.
In a joint appeal, the TUC and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) will urge policymakers to revisit the 2020 trade and cooperation agreement, which they argue was poorly executed under the Conservatives. Their proposed revisions aim to boost employment opportunities, ease trade restrictions, and align regulatory standards for industries such as food and chemicals.
Recent polling and focus groups conducted by the TUC have revealed shifting opinions on Brexit among union members. According to Peter McLeod, a Labour-affiliated pollster leading the research, many participants expressed disappointment with Brexit’s outcomes. Some former Leave voters acknowledged regretting their decision, while others felt that Brexit’s promises had not been fulfilled. A significant majority favored renegotiating the existing trade deal.
McLeod stated, “Our research indicates that Brexit has not delivered as expected, and many believe a better deal is possible. Even among those who previously supported leaving the EU, there is growing recognition that renegotiation is necessary.”
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak emphasized the urgency of securing a more pragmatic trade agreement, stating, “We need a deal that benefits both workers and businesses in the UK and the EU. Years of uncertainty have hurt our economy, and it’s time for a new strategy that respects the referendum result while fostering a stronger partnership with Europe.”
Discussions on reinforcing UK-EU ties are set to take place among British trade union leaders in the coming days. While Starmer has expressed openness to resetting relations with the EU, he remains cautious about a proposed youth mobility agreement, which would facilitate travel, study, and work for young people under 30.
The prime minister’s main objectives include negotiating a new veterinary agreement, strengthening security cooperation, and ensuring mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Additionally, France is expected to advocate for extended access to UK fishing waters as part of the upcoming negotiations.
Starmer is scheduled to host von der Leyen and Costa on May 19 for a UK-EU leaders’ summit, marking the beginning of formal negotiations. Nowak stressed the importance of involving trade unions in these discussions from the outset.
While boosting economic growth by easing trade restrictions with Europe is a key priority for Starmer’s government, Downing Street officials remain wary of any policies that might be perceived as a step toward rejoining the EU single market or restoring free movement.
Nonetheless, Nowak reiterated that a revised agreement must “respect the referendum’s outcome while fostering a closer economic relationship with the EU,” underscoring the need for a balanced and forward-looking approach.
