EU reveals its demands for better relationship with UK

The EU has warned Sir Keir Starmer his attempt to repair relations with the bloc may fail if he does not meet a list of eight demands, it has emerged.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

The prime minister has made rebuilding ties with Brussels a top priority since the general election, after years of mistrust between the two sides over Brexit. And the European Commission has welcomed Sir Keir’s positive approach but issued a list of tests through which the UK can “demonstrate real government commitment” to its withdrawal agreement with the EU.

The list, revealed by the Financial Times, said Britain must fully implement existing post-Brexit agreements on Northern Ireland and the rights of EU citizens living in the UK. EU diplomats told the paper the two measures would be seen as a “test of good faith” in the new relationship. It also listed the need for a High Court ruling, that EU citizens in Britain should not have to make separate applications for settled status after living in the UK for five years, to be implemented in full.