The Government must seize the opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe in the national interest

The Minister for EU Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, has given a speech about resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU in a forthcoming renegotiation.

It comes as the Prime Minister is also in Europe meeting leaders with a focus on defence and security.

Nick Thomas-Symonds said that the government would take a pragmatic approach to negotiations, with growth the number one objective. He also talked about the UK becoming a superpower in renewable energy.

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect trade union, said:

“The last government left us with a bad trade deal with Europe which damaged key sectors of our economy and compromised our relationship with Britain’s largest trading partner. It is welcome that this government is finally taking steps to address this.

“We need an ambitious approach to this renegotiation, focused on achieving the best possible deal and providing the platform to deliver the growth ambitions of government. There has been too much talk of red lines, when what we must find is common ground and mutual benefit. We cannot allow this renegotiation to be driven by those who are intent on rerunning the arguments of recent years.

“We have a real opportunity to reset this relationship by taking a pragmatic approach focusing on the national interest – the government must seize it with both hands.”