Fury erupts at Keir Starmer's EU capitulation as he sets date for Brexit betrayal

Sir Keir Starmer toured a Siemens Energy factory towards the end of his visit to Berlin.

He toured the factory with Siemens Energy chief executive Christian Bruch and factory head Thomas Bagus, who explained how the company extracted hydrogen from water using an electrolyser.

He also signed a part of an electrolyser stack, previously signed by Bill Gates.

Former Brexit negotiator Lord Frost wrote on X: "But Starmer's ambition is not to 'turn a corner on Brexit'.

"It's to reopen all the arguments and to renegotiate the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, in a way that starts making us subject to EU law once again. That's not moving on, it's moving back."

Sir Keir Starmer has denied that disagreements over a proposed youth mobility scheme will impact the UK-German treaty discussions as he reiterated his commitment to "clear red lines" with the EU post-Brexit.

Asked if the Chancellor Olaf Scholz's desire for a youth mobility scheme would hamper negotiations, he told reporters in Berlin: "The treaty is a bilateral treaty, so that's got nothing to do with youth mobility or anything like that.

"That's to do with trade, defence, the economy, illegal migration, etc. In relation to youth mobility, obviously, we've been really clear: no single market, no Customs Union, no free movement, no going back into the EU.

"So the discussion about a close relationship with the EU is in that context and within those frameworks, I'm convinced, and I think you heard from the Chancellor himself, that we can have a closer relationship, notwithstanding those clear red lines that we've got, and we've always had."

Asked if he was open to re-joining the EU study abroad scheme Erasmus, Sir Keir said: "None of the detail like that was discussed today because the focus was on the bilateral treaty that we want to develop."

The Prime Minister hinted he wants British and German police officers to conduct more joint operations targeting migrant smuggling gangs.

A new pact between London and Berlin will allow both countries to "deal with issues like data sharing, intelligence sharing, what we can do on joint operations", the Prime Minister said.More British officers and spies will be based in Europe, under Sir Keir's plans to stop the boats.

Taking a question about immigration, Sir Keir Starmer replied: "On the wider question of irregular migration and the particular issue that we have in the UK of small boats crossing the Channel, I have long said before the election that I thought the Rwanda scheme was a gimmick, which is why we stood it down immediately.

"But nonetheless, it is very important we take back control of our borders.

"I have long been convinced that the best way, the most effective way to do that is to take down the gangs that are running the vile trade of putting people in dangerous situations across Europe and across the Channel."

The Prime Minister said his "substantive discussions" with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and proposals for a joint agreement on immigration would help the pair "deal with issues like data sharing, intelligence sharing, what we can do on joint operations, because that is the way to take effective action in relation to the vile trade that sits beneath irregular migration across Europe and in particular sits beneath the vile trade of putting people into small boats across the Channel".

Mr Scholz had previously said, according to a translation: "The state has to contain irregular immigration so as to not overburden the country. This can and must succeed without questioning our basic law and also international treaties."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have said there are "no new decisions" from either the UK or Germany as regards to the use of weaponry donated by both countries to Ukraine.

Asked if he and the Chancellor had discussed lifting restrictions on weapons given to Ukraine that would allow them to be used inside Russian territory, Sir Keir said: "We have been providing support and weaponry to Ukraine consistent with the approach of other key allies, including Germany.

"We supported the approach and the framework put forward by the previous government in the United Kingdom when we were in opposition, and we are acting consistently with that in Government and that's why I'm very clear that no new or different decisions have been made.

"I'm not going to get into tactical questions about the use of weapons for very obvious reasons, but no new decisions have been taken."

Mr Scholz said: "Germany is one of the very large supporters of Ukraine in Europe, within Europe, we are the largest contributor. We are going to continue this support."

He added: "As far as weapon supplies are concerned, there are no new decisions from Germany."

Sir Keir Starmer has said that the Government does "not have plans" for a youth mobility scheme, as he discussed a "reset" of relations between the UK and Europe.

Speaking in Berlin this morning, the Prime Minister said that there are "plans for a closer relationship between us and the EU."

He told the press conference: "When it comes to the wider reset with Europe I'm absolutely clear that we do want a reset, I've been able to repeat that here today.

"A reset with Europe, a reset with the EU. And that does not mean reversing Brexit or re-entering the single market or the customs union, but it does mean a closer relationship on a number of fronts including the economy, including defence, including exchanges.

"But we do not have plans for the youth mobility scheme, but we do have plans for a closer relationship between us and the EU."

Sir Keir Starmer said he hopes the UK's treaty with Germany will be agreed before the end of the year as he hailed a "bright new future for UK-German relations".

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister said: "As today shows, Britain can advance its interests much more effectively when we work with friends and partners.

"This treaty is part of a wider reset, grounded in a new spirit of cooperation with our shared understanding that this will be developed at pace, and that we hope to have agreed it by the end of the year.

"A Britain recollected, resetting our relationship, rediscovering our common interests, delivering for working people.

"Britain and Germany already have an incredible relationship. We invest billions in each other's countries. Thousands and thousands of jobs are supported through trade, and every year millions of people travel between our two countries, exchanging ideas, collaborating, creating and connecting.

"But today we build on that, a bright new future for UK-German relations, two great countries brought closer together than ever before. The strongest strategic partners in Europe, and on the world stage."

Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have agreed to develop a "joint action plan to tackle illegal migration", the Prime Minister has said.

Speaking during a visit to Berlin, Sir Keir said: "We will also deepen co-operation on shared social challenges; for example, on illegal immigration, because we cannot smash the smuggling gangs who perpetrate this vile trade without the help of our partners.

"And I'm really glad that we had substantive discussions today about how we tackle the smuggling gangs and agree to develop a joint action plan to tackle illegal migration."

Sir Keir Starmer told a press conference in Berlin: "At the heart of this treaty will be a new defence agreement, an agreement that builds upon our already formidable defence co-operation, but which expands that relationship to face the threats of a volatile world together.

"That, of course, means a shared resolve to stand up for the security of our people and the wider European continent, and that begins with our unyielding support for Ukraine, and we discussed that in some detail today."

He added: "So, today we affirmed our commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

"We also share a common commitment to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, as you just referenced, and we agree on Israel's right to self-defence in compliance with international humanitarian law, the need for de-escalation across the region, and for restraint and caution to be exercised.

"Unfettered humanitarian access into Gaza, agreement to a ceasefire and release of all hostages, and the importance of working together towards a political solution, based on the creation of a Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel, the only way to provide long-term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

"And that, of course, is not an easy goal, but it is one that we are committed to pursuing together."

Speaking in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Sir Keir Starmer said: "That is what we are doing today - a new UK-Germany treaty, a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for working people in Britain and in Germany.

"A new agreement, a testament to the depth and potential of our relationship with deeper links on science, technology, development, people, business, culture, a boost to our trading relations.

"Germany of course (is) already the UK's second-largest trading partner in the world, and through that a chance to create jobs here and in the United Kingdom, and deliver that most precious of goods for both our countries, economic growth.

"Let me be clear - growth is the number-one mission of my Government and what we understand clearly is that building relationships with our partners here in Germany and across Europe is vital to achieving it.

"That is what our agreement today represents - the chance that we have."

Speaking at a press conference with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "Germany and the UK share long-standing and a trustful partnership which is based on shared values and reliable friendship.

"We are going to foster and promote this co-operation for the benefit of our peoples, for the benefit of Europe and security and the transatlantic sphere.

"We want to continue to intensify these relations; we don't want to leave it at statements but base our relations on an entirely new footing."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was happy that Sir Keir Starmer is looking for a "reset" in relations between the UK and the EU after Brexit.

He told the press conference in Berlin: “We want to take this hand that has reached out to us."

Sir Keir Starmer is giving a joint press conference alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin following their meeting.

Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt called for a youth mobility scheme amid Sir Keir Starmer's visit to Germany.

The Eurocrat wrote on X: "Brexit is the ultimate sign of ‘years of rot’… with plenty to come.

"Restoring opportunities for Britons means undoing Brexit… starting with exchange programmes for young people, like Erasmus!"

Sir Keir Starmer has arrived at the German chancellery for his meeting with Olaf Scholz.

He was welcomed by Mr Scholz and an honour guard of German soldiers as a military band played God Save The King and the German national anthem.

The two men then went inside the chancellery for their bilateral meeting, at which they are expected to discuss a proposed treaty between the UK and Germany as well as other matters including the war in Ukraine.

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick told Sky News: "I am all for working with our friends and allies whether that's in Europe, the US, anywhere else in the world.

"What I do not want to see him do is cede control. I don't want us to be undermining Nato as the principal foundation of our security and defence in Europe.

"I don't want to see us lose the Brexit benefits that we should now be harnessing.

"We want to be growing our economy by boosting the industries of the future like technology, financial services, life sciences and that means at times diverging from Europe.

"So I would want to hear the Prime Minister say he's going to be using those newfound freedoms to get our economy growing and to make us a more innovative and prosperous country."

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Sir Keir Starmer and Olaf Scholz are "more or less on the same page" about improving the UK's relationship with Europe, a senior member of the German Chancellor's party said.

Nils Schmid, the foreign affairs spokesman for the SPD's parliamentary group, told BBC Radio 4's Today that Germany would like a deal on youth mobility, despite UK reservations about anything that would open the door to free movement of labour.

Asked what Mr Scholz would like from the meeting, Mr Schmid said: "They are more or less on the same page. So there is a constant push by the German government to bring the UK closer to Europe and to facilitate cooperation between Great Britain and the European Union in as many fields as possible, ranging from trade to student mobility rights to defence.

"And then, of course, there's also the idea of not only preparing the ground for a EU-UK agreement, but also to strengthen the bilateral ties between Germany and Great Britain by concluding a bilateral friendship treaty or co-operation treaty, as is already in existence between France and the UK, the so-called Lancaster House accord."

A youth mobility scheme was "a major feature of our wish list" but "this is not about immigration in a general sense".

"This is about facilitating access of youth to Great Britain for stays of limited duration, for purposes like educational programmes, youth exchange or student exchange." But he suggested it could include "working experience which is also of limited duration".

Sir Keir Starmer has met German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin.

The Prime Minister signed the palace guestbook in the entrance hall, which had been decorated with red, white and blue flowers, before holding a private bilateral meeting with Mr Steinmeier at the start of a day of meetings in the German capital.

Sir Keir is the first British Prime Minister to visit Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the German president, since David Cameron in 2015.

He came at the invitation of Mr Steinmeier after the pair met at the Euros earlier this year.

Sir Keir Starmer declared "we must turn a corner on Brexit" as he kicked off a two-day trip to Germany and France.

The Prime Minister is in Berlin today for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, with plans for a new treaty with the country aiming to boost business and increase joint action on illegal migration.

It is expected he will tell Mr Scholz he is focused on making sure the UK moves past Brexit and rebuilds relationships with European partners.

After Germany, Sir Keir will travel to Paris for the Paralympics opening ceremony this evening, before a breakfast meeting with French business leaders tomorrow morning, and a summit with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

Sir Keir said: "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe and strive for genuine, ambitious partnerships that deliver for the British people.

"We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government. That work started at the European Political Community (EPC) meeting last month and I am determined to continue it, which is why I am visiting Germany and France this week.

"Strengthening our relationship with these countries is crucial, not only in tackling the global problem of illegal migration, but also in boosting economic growth across the continent and crucially in the UK - one of the key missions of my Government."