The Future UK-EU Relationship

Summary of 2024 General Election Manifestos

Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats manifesto proposes to “reset UK-EU relations, forge a new partnership built on cooperation, not confrontation, and move to conclude a new comprehensive agreement that removes as many barriers to trade as possible”.

The Liberal Democrat manifesto also talks about a long-term goal to “place the UK/EU relationship on a more formal and stable footing by seeking to join the Single Market” and is clear that these are “essential steps on the road to EU membership, which remains our longer-term objective”.

Conservatives Party

There are a few comments in the Conservative Party manifesto about using “Brexit freedoms” to deliver regulatory reform, and a promise to “seize the benefits of Brexit by signing further trade deals”. Otherwise, there are few references relating to Europe.

Green Party

The Green Party manifesto includes a clear promise to “defend the Human Rights Act, the UK’s membership of the European Convention on Human Rights and continued direct access to Convention rights in the domestic courts”, as well as a commitment to “re-join the EU as soon as the political conditions are right.”

Labour Party

The Labour Party manifesto proposes some positive steps in working with the EU e.g. “Labour will work to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU, by tearing down unnecessary barriers to trade. We will seek to negotiate a veterinary agreement to prevent unnecessary border checks and help tackle the cost of food; will help our touring artists; and secure a mutual recognition agreement for professional qualifications to help open up markets for UK service exporters.”

In addition the manifesto states that the Labour Party will “seek an ambitious new UK-EU security pact to co-operate on the threats that the UK and the EU face and will rebuild relationships with key European allies.”

At the same time, the Labour Party rules out any more substantive return to Europe, saying clearly:

“With Labour, Britain will stay outside of the EU. But to seize the opportunities ahead, we must make Brexit work. We will reset the relationship and seek to deepen ties with our European friends, neighbours and allies.”

Cheltenham for Europe

Information from the European Movement 6.2024