Podcast Summary
Celebrity encounter, Diplomacy: Unexpected diplomatic developments can occur during celebrity encounters, leading to potential significant impacts on international relations.
During a recent trip, the speaker had an exciting celebrity encounter with Baroness Hallet, the chair of the COVID inquiry. However, they were unable to share the experience together as the speaker was traveling in Europe while their companion was in the UK. The speaker also attended an event in Berlin where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for the first time officially. Despite expectations of mere pomp and ceremony, the two leaders announced their intent to negotiate a treaty to deepen cooperation between the UK and Germany in various areas. The encounter marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
UK-Germany treaty: Despite the new UK-Germany treaty's potential for broader cooperation, skepticism exists due to the UK's exit from the EU single market and customs union. Its significance will be clearer in the coming months.
The new treaty between the UK and Germany aims to broaden their cooperation on various fronts, including foreign policy, economy, law enforcement, climate, and technology. However, skepticism exists about how deep or tangible this relationship will be, given the UK's exit from the EU single market and customs union. Some believe this treaty might be more symbolic than substantive, while others see it as part of a wider reset in UK-EU relations. Keir Starmer, the UK Labor Party leader, has expressed a desire for improved relations with the EU without rejoining the single market or customs union. The treaty is expected to be negotiated quickly, and its significance will become clearer in the coming months. Ultimately, the success of this new treaty will depend on the ability of the UK and Germany to find common ground and overcome the challenges posed by their differing membership statuses in the EU.
UK-EU youth mobility: Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pursuing a diplomatic 'reset' with European countries, including discussions on a potential UK-EU youth mobility partnership to improve relations and cultural understanding.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom is pursuing a diplomatic "reset" with European countries following years of strained relations due to Brexit. This was evident in his recent meetings with German officials, where they discussed potential areas of cooperation, including youth mobility. The European Union had previously proposed a youth mobility partnership, allowing young people from EU countries to study, work, and live in the UK, and vice versa, with equal fees. However, this proposal was rejected by the previous Conservative and Labor governments. Now, under Starmer, there is renewed interest in this agreement. Germany, in particular, is pushing for it, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz sees it as a way to improve relations between the two nations and increase cultural understanding. Despite Starmer's denial of any specific plans for a youth mobility deal during a press conference, his willingness to engage in discussions on the topic suggests that it remains a possibility. Ultimately, the "reset" is about more than just policy; it's about rebuilding trust and fostering better relationships between the UK and Europe.
UK-EU youth mobility deal negotiations: The UK and EU's deepening relationship will involve negotiations on a potential youth mobility deal, with the EU's initial proposal open to discussion. Linking or separating negotiations on youth mobility and other issues remains uncertain.
The UK's deepening relationship with the EU will require concessions from both sides. The EU has expressed a desire for a deal on youth mobility, and while there may not be a "super secret plan" in place, negotiations on this issue could be a part of broader discussions on creating new agreements. The EU's initial proposal for a youth mobility scheme is open to negotiation, and it remains to be seen whether different issues like mobility and plant and animal regulations will be linked or negotiated separately. Anne Applebaum, BBC European editor, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America and former director of policy planning at the US State Department, discussed these possibilities on a recent podcast. They also touched on the potential implications of linking or separating various issues in negotiations. Overall, the process of creating new agreements between the UK and the EU will involve intricate negotiations and potential compromises on both sides.
Germany's Chancellor Scholz's challenges: Scholz's inability to effectively communicate and manage a coalition government has led to challenges for his party and waning popularity, making a treaty with the UK a priority for the Labour government before the upcoming German election
Olaf Scholz's experience as Germany's chancellor serves as a cautionary tale for political parties, including the Labour government in the UK. Scholz's rise to power was met with excitement across Europe, but his inability to effectively communicate with his population and manage a coalition government has led to challenges and grumblings from the right at home. As Germany heads towards a general election, Scholz's popularity is waning, and the center-right party looks poised to win. Keir Starmer and Olaf Scholz have formed a bond, and the Labour government is eager to sign a treaty with Germany while Scholz is still in power. The relationship between the two leaders has been strengthened by multiple meetings, including one at a football match that holds emotional significance for Starmer. Despite the frequent meetings, it's worth noting that Theresa May, the former UK prime minister, did not meet Angela Merkel as frequently in such a short period of time.
UK-Germany relations post-Brexit: Despite positive intentions, complex EU rules and the UK's stance on the single market and customs union limit the potential for close UK-Germany relations post-Brexit
While there is a willingness and enthusiasm from both the UK and Germany to improve relations post-Brexit, the practicalities and details of the negotiations are complex. The EU has strict rules regarding trade, and the UK's desire to not rejoin the single market or customs union limits the potential for close relations. Germany, as a major player in the EU, adds an additional layer of complexity. The EU manages its members' trade relationships collectively, but there is some leeway for national laws, particularly in areas like professional regulations. The change of tone and mood between the UK and EU is notable, but the substance of the negotiations will be challenging due to the intricacies of EU rules and the UK's position on the single market and customs union.
EU Trade Opportunities: Access to EU market offers significant economic opportunities for the UK, but negotiations may be impacted by the EU's focus on other issues, including defense and the conflict with Russia. A close defense partnership between the UK and Germany could facilitate progress.
While individual European Union (EU) member states have some autonomy to negotiate trade-related matters, the most significant economic opportunities lie in access to the EU market. The UK and EU have made strides in improving their relationship, with the UK's participation in EU forums and defense cooperation being key factors. However, the EU's focus on other issues, such as defense and the ongoing conflict with Russia, may impact the pace of negotiations. The UK and Germany, as two of the EU's largest military spenders, have the potential to form a close defense partnership, which could facilitate progress in bilateral negotiations.
UK-Germany relationship: Germany's sadness for UK's EU absence, UK pushing for competitive single market, EU's shift towards interventionism, challenges for Keir Starmer's goals
The UK-Germany relationship has evolved significantly since the Brexit negotiations, with Germany expressing more passion and unhealed sorrow for the UK's absence in the EU compared to France. Behind the scenes, there was cooperation between the UK and Germany, with the UK pushing for a more competitive single market, which Germany appreciated. However, since leaving the EU, the EU has become more French in economic terms, with a shift towards interventionism and protectionism, making it harder for the UK to collaborate with the European Union. These economic changes may make Keir Starmer's modest goals for adding things to the trading corporation agreement more challenging than anticipated. Additionally, there is a potential for celebrating the 1,500th episode of Brexitcast, so listeners can expect some exciting plans in the future.
Oasis concert contribution: Listener John G shared his experience of attending an Oasis concert at the University of Warwick in 1993 for 50p, adding to the Newscast of Thousands' collection. The team looks forward to reaching their 1,000th episode and encourages listeners to subscribe and share.
We've received a nostalgic contribution from a listener named John G, who attended an Oasis concert at the University of Warwick in 1993 for just 50p. This brings the total of contributions for the Newscast of Thousands to 210.9. The team is looking forward to reaching their 1,000th birthday and encourages listeners to keep sending in their contributions and ideas. In other news, the team reminds listeners to subscribe to BBC Sounds and encourages them to share the podcast with others. From the team to you, thank you for tuning in and for your continued support. If you have any thoughts or contributions, please email newscast@bbc.co.uk or send a WhatsApp message to 0330 123 9480. The team promises to listen to every message received.