Keir Starmer will vow to “turn a corner on Brexit” by repairing damage done by Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.
The prime minister will hold talks with German chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today aimed at agreeing a new treaty to boost trade, improve defence and security co-operation and tackle illegal immigration.
He will also travel to France later this week as he seeks to “fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government”.
His comments mark a dramatic change in tone to how the Conservatives dealt with the EU in the wake of the 2016 Brexit vote.
Starmer will say: “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 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.”
