Labour's new EU minister, Hamish Falconer, has set the tone for a more ambitious and proactive approach to post-Brexit relations with Europe under Andy Burnham's leadership. In an exclusive interview, Falconer revealed his vision for a 'deeper relationship' with the EU, focusing on services and cooperation, while respecting Labour's red lines. He aims to bring a 'sense of renewed pace' to the negotiations, addressing the stalled momentum under Keir Starmer. Falconer's experience as a diplomat and negotiator, including his time as a Middle East minister, positions him to navigate the complexities of EU talks. He emphasizes the importance of 'European solidarity' and shared values, such as defense and security, in shaping the relationship. However, Falconer acknowledges the challenges, including the youth mobility scheme and the Safe fund for defense investment. He believes that with the right political space and support from Downing Street, he can deliver tangible changes for ordinary people, especially in his leave-voting constituency. The next summit, expected in October, will be crucial in determining the success of Falconer's approach and the future of UK-EU relations.
