UK seeking new EU negotiator as premier aims to reset relations with Europe

Cabinet Office advertising position, which will serve as principal adviser to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Minister for EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds

The UK government has launched a search for a new EU negotiator as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer moves to reset Britain’s relationship with Europe, according to media reports on Saturday. The Cabinet Office is advertising the position, which will serve as the principal adviser to Starmer and Minister for European Union Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds. The successful candidate will act as a representative for all UK dealings with the EU, including upcoming renewal talks on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in 2025. Described as critical to delivering an "EU reset" and advising on international economic issues, the negotiator will also represent the prime minister during discussions with the bloc. Starmer has made rebuilding ties with the EU a priority since taking office, meeting key European leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. The leader of the Labour Party also hosted the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire last month, bringing together 50 leaders across the continent. Acknowledging challenges in mending relations, Starmer has championed a "constructive" approach to negotiations, distancing his government from past approaches. The Conservative Party, however, criticized the move. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel warned that Labour would "capitulate to the EU" and reverse the results of the 2016 Brexit referendum.