The new Frontex deal signals that the UK is continuing cooperative relations with its neighbours – this can only work in both parties’ favour, writes Bremain Chair Sue Wilson MBE for Yorkshire Bylines.
A new Frontex border deal aimed at reducing the number of small boat Channel crossings has been agreed between the UK and the EU. With both the opposition and the government now actively seeking closer ties and better cooperation with Europe on a number of issues, has Britain taken its first steps towards rejoining the EU?
The new Frontex deal
The new deal will see UK’s Border Force cooperating more closely with European border agency, Frontex, on matters of training, intelligence and the implementation of new operations and technology. The deal was signed on Friday in London by European Home Affairs Commissioner, Ylva Johansson and Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly.
Cleverly described the “landmark working arrangement” as “another crucial step in tackling illegal migration, securing our borders and stopping the boats”. The foreign secretary also said it was part of the government’s plan to “break the model of the smuggling gangs”. He admitted that people smuggling was one of a number of “global challenges that require shared solutions and ambitions”. Well, quite – the list of issues requiring better cooperation with our neighbours is a long one.
Illegal migration and people smuggling is a global problem and one we’re committed to solving.
Today I met with @YlvaJohansson for the signing of a landmark deal with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to tackle illegal migration and people smuggling. pic.twitter.com/QKBBkLwesa
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) February 23, 2024
Labour want to reset relations
Despite his insistence that Labour can make Brexit work, Keir Starmer has been keen to improve relations with Brussels. It would appear that the EU are also keen to work with a new Labour government and are set to offer a reset of post-Brexit relations if Starmer wins the general election.
A review of the existing UK/EU trade and cooperation agreement (TCA) is scheduled for 2026, presenting an opportunity for a closer trading partnership. Although any new arrangement would exclude rejoining the single market or customs union – both ruled out by Starmer – a closer deal could help businesses to import and export food and cars. Although Brussels have insisted that the review of the TCA will only be a technical process designed to ensure the agreement is working properly, there appears to be some room for manoeuvre.
🚨🌹🇪🇺
EU set to offer a Brexit olive branch to Labour if Starmer becomes PM
European leaders are eyeing 2026 review of the existing trade deal as an opportunity to reset relations with the UK
Story @theipaper: https://t.co/Y18XNMg4F1
— Hugo Gye (@HugoGye) February 22, 2024
A senior EU diplomat described the 2026 TCA review as “a big opportunity for Starmer, potentially”. He added that if there is “a political will to make real changes to the relationship then that will be extremely significant”. Another EU source suggested that Labour were looking at ways “it can get closer rather than further away from Europe”.
Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds said:
“An incoming Labour government will reset relations with key European allies. The wider trade and co-operation agreement review could provide an opportunity to address some of the shortcomings in the Conservatives’ deal.”
A promising start, but will it be enough?
Closing the gap
The latest deal with the EU is not the first time since Brexit that the government has sought improved cooperation with our European neighbours. Others include an agreement last year with the French government to boost British/French law-enforcement cooperation. Nor is it the first time the EU and UK have discussed working more closely together to solve the small boats crisis – PM Rishi Sunak met with European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen in this regard last May.
A big move towards closer ties with Europe came last year when the UK agreed to rejoin the Horizon Europe programme – the EU’s key funding programme for research and development, with a budget of €95.5bn euros. Having left the scheme in 2021 thanks to Brexit, the UK will now contribute €2.43bn euros a year to the scheme, plus an additional €154mn euros for membership of the Copernicus earth observation programme.
DEAL DONE: The UK is joining Horizon Europe.
Following negotiations with @EU_Commission, UK scientists will now have access to the world’s largest research and innovation programme on better terms for British taxpayers.
It’s another step to grow the economy. Here’s why ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IjkXpsKk0a
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) September 7, 2023
Scientists and researchers will be the main beneficiaries in the case of Horizon Europe. Other industries, such as car and food manufacturers, must wait and hope that future discussions will prove as fruitful for them. Meanwhile, calls for action for other sectors like the music industry, and demands for a UK return to the Erasmus education programme, are gathering momentum.
In reality, it’s difficult to think of any UK industry that wouldn’t benefit from closer European ties, less bureaucracy and a more cooperative approach. Especially, perhaps, in the event of a Trump return in the US. But, is each new deal, each new arrangement, a step closer towards Europe? In the minds of our politicians, probably not – at least not for now.
New government, new attitude?
The incoming government will be faced with a myriad of issues, conflicting priorities and a mountain of debt. A new attitude towards Europe will be both desirable and welcomed by UK businesses, who according to Labour, want “a government that won’t try and pick fights”. No doubt that’s true, but surely businesses also want a strong economy, a removal of trade barriers, and the ability to hire European workers. They want to be part of a prosperous, outward-looking country with European values, and tinkering around the edges – welcome as that is – will never be enough to completely turn around the country’s fortunes.
Rejoining the EU was never going to be an easy or speedy prospect, and one that the government wish to avoid at all costs. The Conservatives have done all they can – though not as much as they would have hoped – to distance the UK from the EU and make it more difficult to reverse Brexit. But they have failed. They have lost business and public support, caused untold economic damage, and been caught out in their Brexit lies.
In a global world, the UK cannot go it alone – a fact that even our isolationist government is having to accept. Step by step, we are closing the gap between London and Brussels, rebuilding damaged bridges and trust. It’s a journey that will require courage, determination and a fresh perspective. Let’s hope our new government are intrepid travellers with EU passports!
