“Closer EU links are critical to our economy and security and to protecting our way of life from political extremism,”says former senior Labour MEP, David Martin
The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) has written to all Labour Party MPs and MSPs in Scotland urging them to put pressure on incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, so that he continues Sir Keir Starmer’s policy of putting “Britain at the heart of Europe.”
In a speech in London on 10th May, Sir Keir said: “My Labour Government is delivering on our promise to reset our relationship and put Britain at the heart of Europe. Together we will tackle the cost of living, boost jobs and create opportunities for young people.”
EMiS says in its letter to MPs and MEPs, “Our view is that it is of the most fundamental importance that Mr Burnham not only continues the process of reengagement with the EU but also accelerates and deepens it.”
David Martin, who was the longest serving Labour Member at the European Parliament, and who is President of the European Movement in Scotland, says Mr Burnham will become Prime Minister at a time of great global instability.
“Andy Burnham cannot afford to ignore the opportunities offered by ever-closer ties with the EU. There are simply no other options available.
“He must move quickly. The stronger the economy of our continent the more we will be able to raise standards of living, invest in public services and build our defences against the enemies of democracy, at home and abroad.
“Closer EU links are critical to our economy and security and to protecting our way of life from political extremism,” says David Martin.
In its letter to MPs and MEPs, EMiS says: “We are at a moment of enormous historical importance.
“A successful Burnham government is critical to our economy and stability and to holding off malign domestic and foreign forces that threaten our way of life. Success will come sooner by increasingly embedding the UK with the economic and political powerhouse that is the EU.
“May we encourage you to let Mr Burnham know that support in Scotland for ever-closer ties with the EU currently stands at over 70%. We hope Mr Burnham listens to Scotland and that his government continues the Starmer administration’s approach to the EU, in words and action.”
10 years on from the Brexit vote and thirteen months after its first report into the UK’s “EU reset”, the Business and Trade Committee finds that the initial stakeholder welcome for the Reset’s ambition has been hit by concerns about delivery
Of the most substantive agreements the UK has reached with the EU to date, on steel, fisheries and energy: the fisheries agreement was not universally welcomed and positive progress on steel tariffs risks being undermined without an agreement in talks ongoing since November last year.
The UK’s association to the Erasmus+ student exchange programme cost £570 million for the 2027/2028 academic year but the jury is out on its impact.
None of the three wider UK ambitions in the Common Understanding – help for touring artists, improved business mobility and an agreement on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications – have materially advanced.
It is unclear what the Security and Defence Partnership has delivered beyond political signalling.
The Committee has heard five key concerns about the Government’s current approach:
The ‘rhetoric-reality gap’: Government ministers have not pulled their punches about the negative economic impact of Brexit, but delivery of the current Reset is expected to add just 0.5% to the UK’s GDP by 2040, even in an optimistic scenario.
Limited progress in the critical area of defence and defence industrial policy, despite war raging on the European continent and the clear change of US approach to NATO.
Late negotiations for a deal on electricity trading even as the UK battles the highest electricity prices in the G7.
European partners still in the dark about the UK’s end goals with no clear strategy beyond the 2026 summit, and no clear strategic case for the Reset.
Continued disagreement on “dynamic alignment” with EU regulations.
The Committee concludes it is “unlikely” that the Government’s approach in the current round of negotiations will address these concerns and sets out the basic models for deepening ties – alongside the trade-offs entailed.
Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “Ministers have been frank about the economic damage Brexit has caused, but there is now a yawning gap between their rhetoric and the reality of what the Reset is actually delivering.
“Business cannot invest on political signalling alone. It needs clear rules, a clear destination and a credible vision. Ministers must now get off the fence, set out where they want Britain’s relationship with Europe to be by the end of this Parliament, and provide the roadmap to restore confidence, strengthen our security and deliver the growth the country needs.
“Crucially, we need to understand that ten years after the Brexit referendum, Europe is changing fast. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, hybrid attacks are escalating across everywhere and the United States has made clear that European NATO allies must do more to provide for their own security. Yet our inquiry found limited progress on UK-EU defence cooperation.
“At a moment when Europe should be strengthening its industrial and security partnerships, it is especially disappointing that the UK has yet to secure participation in the EU’s SAFE defence procurement programme, never mind set out an ambitious strategy for defence and economic security alliance.”
The Scottish Government says Scotland’s future lies in the European Union.
Holyrood belives re-joining the European Union would benefit Scotland by:
• strengthening our economy by reducing barriers for Scottish businesses
• providing Scottish people more opportunities to live, learn and work across Europe
• giving Scotland a stronger voice among our European neighbours
Clear majority of Scottish voters backed pro-EU parties at Scottish Parliament elections
“Westminster must listen to Scotland’s voters and move towards Single Market membership,” says European Movement in Scotland.
Scottish voters at the Holyrood Parliament elections on 7th May overwhelmingly cast their ballots for political parties that favour much closer ties with the European Union. 100 of the 129 MSPs are from pro-EU parties.
The pro-Europe campaigning organisation, the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), says the polling is a warning to the Labour Government in London that voters expect action on closer ties with the EU, and quickly.
Chair of EMiS, David Clarke, says: “Scotland’s voters have given a resounding endorsement for Scotland and the UK fully re-engaging with the EU. Pro-union and pro-independence voters backed closer ties with Europe.
“This election shows dumping Brexit is the democratic will of Scotland. Westminster must listen to Scotland’s voters.”
The UK Labour government is currently in talks to repair some of the economic damage Britain suffered from the Withdrawal Agreement signed by the previous Conservative government.
However, the government has said it will not breach its “red lines” by rejoining the single market of the European customs union.
David Clarke says: “The whole of the UK knows Brexit has been a total failure. It’s been made worse by recent global events.Rejoining the European single market would be a huge boost to the economy and in business confidence.
“It’s the right thing for business, for jobs, for exports and the nation.”
The number of MSPs for each pro-Europe party at the Holyrood elections on 7th May was: Scottish National Party (58), Scottish Labour (17), Scottish Liberal Democrats (10) and the Scottish Greens (15).
Richard Demarco, the Scottish artist, academic, impresario and public intellectual was presented with the award of Scottish European of the Year for 2025 at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.
The presentation was made by Angus Robertson MSP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
The Scottish European of the Year award is voted for by members of the European Movement in Scotland. Richard Demarco topped this year’s poll, beating distinguished nominees from media and politics.
Mr Robertson said. “I am delighted to be able to make this presentation to Richard Demarco, who has for decades been making an outstanding contribution to Scotland’s engagement with European culture.
“I am also thrilled to see that he is continuing to remain active and contribute to Scotland’s presence in the cultural landscape of Europe.”
The certificate awarded to Mr Demarco says:
‘In recognition of his lifelong commitment to European culture, his championing of the values of free expression through the Arts, his numerous contributions to enriching the cultural life of Edinburgh and Scotland, his internationalism and his belief in unity and peace across Europe.’
Richard Demarco said: “I thank the members of the European Movement in Scotland for this award and for lightening my spirits in these too often dark times.
“I have never been in doubt, given the entire history of Scotland, particularly as I take the Declaration of Arbroath as proof, that Scotland is distinctly part of Europe.”
Travellers to Europe subject to new entry registrations from today under a phased implementation of the EU’s new digital border system
The Entry Exit System (EES) requires non-EU citizens to register at the EU border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken.
From today, 12 October, British passport-holders will need to register on their first visit to a country where EES checks are operating. Registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires.
The new system will be phased in over six months, meaning different ports may have varying requirements until April 2026. This should allow for a gradual implementation that minimises disruption, particularly at peak periods.
On exit, and for subsequent visits to a participating country, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either fingerprints or a photograph at the border.
EES will be a requirement when entering Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. EES will not be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.
For travellers using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before they leave the UK.
The government has supported these juxtaposed ports (Eurostar, St Pancras; Eurotunnel, Folkestone; and the Port of Dover) with £10.5m of funding for border infrastructure to make the change as smooth as possible for travellers.
While EES is an EU system, the government has been working closely with the travel industry, ports and transport operators to help raise public awareness and understanding of the border changes.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.
“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”
Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather, said: “We’ve backed our ports and operators with £10.5 million to help them get ready for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, ensuring they have the infrastructure and systems in place to manage the changes.
“Our priority is to minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, particularly at our busiest border crossings. We’ll continue working closely with European partners and local resilience forums to keep traffic flowing and journeys smooth.”
Travellers do not need to take any action before travelling and the process is free. Registration will take place upon arrival at the EU border and may take slightly longer than previous border checks.
Whilst the checks should only take 1-2 minutes for each person, they may lead to longer wait times at border control upon arrival in the Schengen area. At the juxtaposed ports, where registration will be completed in the UK prior to departure, there may be longer waits at busy times. Eurotunnel, Eurostar and the Port of Dover have plans in place to minimise disruption as much as possible.
Last month, the UK government launched an awareness campaign to help prepare British travellers for the new system.
Messages advising the public about the changes have been shared across government social media channels, by transport operators and on travel websites. Up to date information can also be found on GOV.UK and FCDO’s Travel Aware pages.
The EU has introduced EES to replace passport stamping for all non-EU citizens, helping them to track compliance with the 90-day visa-free travel rule and strengthen their border control.
British citizens covered by Withdrawal Agreement residence documents and UK-EU dual citizens using their EU passports will be exempt from the new requirements.
Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but under the new EU rules, all travellers, including babies, will be photographed and have digital records created.
The UK Government has rolled out its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which is a digital permission to travel for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, or do not have another valid UK immigration status prior to travelling to the UK.
Scotland’s interests ‘cannot be an afterthought in negotiations’
First Minister John Swinney has urged the UK Government to reflect Scotland’s interests by dropping its EU red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement.
Ahead of tomorrow’s summit between the UK and EU, the First Minister has reiterated his calls for the closest possible co-operation with Europe and said the best future for Scotland is as an independent nation within the European Union.
The Scottish Government has previously called for the UK Government to negotiate with the EU on a number of key areas including removing barriers to food and drink exports, closer energy and climate co-operation, a youth mobility agreement, and rejoining the Erasmus+ and Creative Europe programmes.
The First Minister said: “Scotland’s best future lies as an independent country within the European Union. More than ever, the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership.
“Right now, the Prime Minister must negotiate the closest possible working relationship with the EU, in the interests of people and businesses across Scotland. To do that he must drop his ideological red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement.
“This would remove significant trade barriers and red tape for Scottish businesses and give a much-needed boost to the Scottish economy which is still being badly impacted by Brexit.
“If the UK Government wants to get serious about economic growth, it should recognise that the EU is one of our most important economic and security partners. At the very least we need to see a reduction in red tape for our food and drink exports, closer co-operation on energy and climate issues and greater freedom of movement for our young people. These areas and others can bring benefits both for us and our European partners.
“The Scottish Government stands ready to work with the UK and the EU towards stability and progress but the UK Government must reflect the interests of Scotland in the upcoming talks. Given the appalling economic, social and cultural damage of Brexit, Scotland cannot be treated as an afterthought by the UK Government in these discussions.”
The Scottish Government has published papers on some of our key priorities for closer cooperation:
This week, the Prime Minister will strike ‘yet another deal that will deliver in the national interest of this country. It will be good for growth, good for jobs, good for bills, and good for our borders’, says the UK government.
In the last two weeks alone, the government has delivered trade deals with India and the United States. Jobs saved, faster growth, wages rising.
These deals are a huge vote of confidence in the United Kingdom. They show that, even though times have been tough, the decisions the government have taken to stabilise the economy and lead the way internationally have made this a country people want to do business with again.
Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will set out how a strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people and lead to more money in pockets as part of our Plan for Change – and sticking to the red lines set out in our manifesto.
Because the British public deserve better than the deal reached under the previous government, which isn’t working for anyone.
It will be better for UK producers – who face red tape and checks just to export to our nearest and biggest trading partner. Or sometimes can’t export at all.
It will be better for British supermarkets, who have to pass these costs onto consumers and reduce the availability of products on shelves.
And it will be better for British families who face higher bills, queues on holiday and whose safety and security is harmed by a lack of cooperation between neighbouring countries facing the same global challenges.
First India, then the US, now the European Union. This is what outward-looking, independent sovereign nations do – we look at the problems facing our country and we work hard, alongside our allies, to find solutions that deliver for our people (says the UK Government).
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “In this time of great uncertainty and volatility, the UK will not respond by turning inwards, but by proudly taking our place on the world stage – strengthening our alliances and closing deals in the interests of British people.
“First India, then the United States – in the last two weeks alone that’s jobs saved, faster growth and wages rising. More money in the pockets of British working people, achieved through striking deals not striking poses.
“Tomorrow, we take another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom as the result of a strengthened partnership with the European Union. It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders.
“That’s what the British people voted for last year, and it’s what my government will deliver.”
Prime Minister Starmer’s statement to the House of Commons: 3 March 2025
Mr. Speaker
Less than a week since I called on this House to show the courage of our predecessors we see clearly before us – the test of our times. A crossroads in our history.
So with permission I will update the House on my efforts to secure a strong, just and lasting peace following Russia’s vile invasion of Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker – it begins in this House where on Tuesday, I announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.
A recognition of the fact that once again, we live in an era where peace in Europe depends upon strength and deterrence.
But also – a rediscovery of the old post-war argument long-held on these benches that economic security is national security.
Because Mr. Speaker, the demands we now have to make of Britain must come alongside a new foundation of security for working people.
The tough choices we made last week, they are not done. We must use the process of getting to 3% of our national income spent on defence to fundamentally rebuild British industry.
Use our investment in military spending to create new jobs and apprenticeships in every part of our country.
And that’s why, last night, I announced a deal that perfectly symbolises this new era.
A partnership with Ukraine that allows them to use £1.6 billion of UK Export Finance to buy 5,000 air defence missiles, manufactured in Belfast. That means UK jobs, UK skills, UK finance , pulling together for our national interest.
Putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position for peace and protecting innocent civilians from the terror of Russian drones.
Mr. Speaker, my efforts continued on Thursday when I met President Trump in the White House to strengthen our relationship with America.
Now, what happened in his subsequent meeting with President Zelenskyy is something nobody in this House wants to see.
But I do want to be crystal clear: we must strengthen our relationship with America for our security, for our technology, for our trade and investment. They are and always will be – indispensable.
And we will never choose between either side of the Atlantic. In fact, Mr. Speaker, if anything, the past week has shown that that idea to be totally unserious. Because while some people may enjoy the simplicity of taking a side, this week has shown with total clarity that the US is vital in securing the peace we all want to see in Ukraine.
So I welcome the opportunity for a new economic deal with the US, confirmed by the President last week, because it is an opportunity I am determined to pursue.
I welcome the positive discussions we had on European security, including his clear support for Article 5 of NATO. I welcome the understanding, from our dialogue that our two nations will work together on security arrangements for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
And I also welcome the President’s continued commitment to that peace which nobody in this House should doubt for a second – is sincere.
Mr. Speaker, I now turn to events this weekend and the moving scenes that greeted President Zelenskyy as he arrived in London on Saturday.
Mr. Speaker I saw for myself that he was taken aback when the crowd in Whitehall cheered at the top of their voices, and they were speaking for the whole of our country.
A reminder – that this Government, this House and this nation stand in unwavering support behind him and the people of Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, we resolved together to move forward the strong cause of just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
And then on Sunday I hosted European leaders from across our continent, equally committed to this cause including President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, the leaders of NATO, the European Commission and Council and the Prime Minister of Canada, a vital ally of this country, the Commonwealth and Ukraine responsible for training over 40,000 Ukrainian troops.
I also had the privilege beforehand of speaking online to the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – each of whom, as close as they are to the frontline with Russia, stressed the urgency of the moment.
And Mr. Speaker, it was a productive summit. Together, we agreed a clear strategy. That the United Kingdom, France and our allies will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, which we will then discuss directly with the United States.
It is a plan that has four clear principles, which I will now share in full with the House:
First, that we must keep the military aid to Ukraine flowing, keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia. And to that end, alongside our partnership on air defence we are doubling-down on military aid.
Already this year we have taken our support to record levels but on Saturday we also agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine backed, not by the British taxpayer but by the profits from frozen Russian assets.
Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee the sovereignty and security of Ukraine. And that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future. That is absolutely vital.
Third, we agreed that in the event of a peace deal we will continue to boost Ukraine’s defences and Ukraine’s deterrence.
And finally, fourth.we agreed to develop a “coalition of the willing” ready to defend a deal in Ukraine and guarantee the peace.
After all, the Ukrainian position is completely understandable. For them, the war did not begin three years ago. That was merely the latest and most brutal escalation.
They have signed agreements with Putin, before. They have experienced the nature of his diplomacy and the calibre of his word.
We can’t accept a weak deal like Minsk again, No, we must proceed with strength and that does now require – urgently – a coalition of the willing.
Mr. Speaker – we agreed on Sunday that those willing to play a role in this will intensify planning now. And as this House would expect Britain will play a leading role. With, if necessary and together with others, boots on the ground and planes in the air.
Mr. Speaker, it is right that Europe do the heavy lifting to support peace on our continent. But to succeed, this effort must also have strong US backing.
I want to assure the House I take none of this lightly. I visited British troops in Estonia and no aspect of my role weighs more heavily than the deployment of British troops in the service of the defence and security in Europe.
And yet I do feel very strongly that the future of Ukraine is vital for our national security.
Russia is a menace in our waters and skies, They have launched cyber-attacks on our NHS, assassination attempts in our streets.
In this House, we stand by Ukraine because it is the right thing to do but we also stand by them because it is in our interest to do so. Because if we do not achieve a lasting peace then the instability and insecurity that has hit the living standards of working people in Britain that will only get worse.
And Putin’s appetite for conflict and chaos that will only grow.
So a strong peace, a just peace, a lasting peace, that has now to be our goal.
It is vital, it is in our interest and its pursuit – Britain will lead from the front.
For the security of our continent, the security of our country and the security of the British people we must now win the peace.
And I commend this statement to the House.
UPDATE
Stakes have been raised since Starmer’s announcement to Westminster yesterday. A spokesman for the Trump government announced overnight that the USA is is to ‘pause’ military aid to Ukraine.
Trump’s USA is by far the biggest contributor to Ukraine’s military effort and this latest statement of American intent, if carried out, deals a grevious blow to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian invaders.
Europe’s ‘coalition of the willing’ may have to come up with a revised plan – and quickly.
New figures show possible cost of increased trade barriers
Analysis published yesterday by the Office of the Chief Economic Advisor has estimated Brexit trade barriers could impact Scotland’s economy by £4 billion.
This estimated economic cost is from the reduction in trade alone – not counting changes to productivity, investment or migration.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said the report demonstrated the urgent need to reverse the damage of Brexit to boost living standards and revenue for the NHS.
According to the Trade Modelling Report, Scottish exports could be lower by 7.2% or £3 billion compared to continued EU membership.
The chemical and pharmaceutical sector is estimated to be one of the hardest hit by post-Brexit trade barriers, with an estimated 9.1% reduction in output, followed by the computer and electronics sector with an estimated 7.7% fall. The 4.9% output drop estimated for the agrifood sector represents a loss of £827 million.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “On the eve of the fifth anniversary of Brexit, these new figures highlight the urgent need to change course to boost the economy and increase public revenue for the NHS.
“This is the latest in a long line of studies highlighting how badly Brexit continues to impact Scotland and should cause the UK Government to consider its approach to economic growth.
“The Scottish Government has been clear that Scotland’s place is in the EU and the huge European single market. But we are also a voice for greater co-operation with the EU right now and we urge the new UK Government to forge a much closer relationship with our fellow Europeans.”
Scottish Government calls for closer energy links with Europe
The Scottish Government is calling for closer co-operation with Europe to help lower energy bills and boost investment.
Ahead of upcoming UK Government talks with the EU the Scottish Government has published a report, identifying a number of opportunities to more closely align with the European Union on energy matters.
These include:
accelerating the adoption of more efficient UK-EU electricity trading arrangements to bring down energy costs for consumers
linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) to help reduce costs and barriers to trade
Estimates from the UK energy industry predict that unless the UK moves toward closer cooperation with the EU on energy and climate, it may lead to additional costs of up to £10billion in 2024-25, through higher energy bills and lower Treasury revenues.
The Scottish Government’s wants Scotland to be an EU member state, however the report published today sets out immediate actions which would rebuild closer collaboration with the EU on energy and climate matters and offset some of the damage caused by Brexit.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “As we approach the fifth anniversary of Brexit, the costs to the people of Scotland are becoming ever clearer.
“The best future for Scotland is to be a member state of the EU. But we will always be a voice for closer co-operation with our fellow Europeans – in particular around issues which impact us all such as lowering energy bills and driving up investment in renewables.
“This paper highlights the key areas where working together is vital for achieving our shared ambitions – driving economic growth, reducing costs, strengthening energy security and substantially contributing to our shared climate goals.
“We have a pivotal role to play and stand ready to work collaboratively with the UK Government and wider partners to re-build a closer relationship with Europe in this space.”
