UK Rules Out Joining Pan-European Trade Agreement

Friday 24 January 2025 - 07:33

The UK government has firmly rejected the possibility of joining a pan-European trade agreement. This statement came in response to comments from European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who suggested that the UK could consider joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) as part of a post-Brexit "reset."

"We have no intention of joining the PEM and will not engage with every comment made on this topic," stated Nick Thomas-Symonds, the British Minister responsible for relations with the EU. While addressing Parliament, Thomas-Symonds acknowledged the "positive and constructive tone" of the EU Trade Commissioner and expressed an interest in reducing trade barriers. However, he stressed that this would be done in line with the "red lines" of the UK’s political commitments.

The Labour Party’s manifesto explicitly rules out rejoining the EU’s single market, customs union, or reinstating freedom of movement. However, since taking office in July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated a diplomatic campaign to "reset" the UK’s relationship with the EU, which has been strained since Brexit.

This reset strategy has involved visits to several European capitals, aiming to revive cooperation and address challenges stemming from the evolving global geopolitical landscape.

In addition, since Brexit, the UK has signed trade agreements with nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The country officially became a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in December, expanding the bloc to 12 members.