The UK Foreign Affairs Committee has issued a scathing assessment of the government’s handling of post-Brexit relations with the European Union, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration of failing to deliver a clear long-term strategy. The critique, delivered in an official letter to No. 10, comes just hours ahead of the landmark UK-EU summit taking place in London today.
“The absence of a comprehensive plan undermines diplomatic efforts and hinders meaningful progress,” the letter states, warning that a “patchwork approach” risks further eroding public confidence and investor certainty.
Key Concerns Raised
The cross-party committee, chaired by Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, called attention to:
- The government’s failure to articulate a coherent post-Brexit roadmap
- Missed opportunities for structured engagement with EU institutions
- Inconsistent messaging on trade, defense, and regulatory alignment
- A lack of parliamentary oversight over ongoing UK-EU talks
Kearns emphasized that without a long-term framework, Britain risks “drifting” in its foreign policy and failing to capitalize on potential gains from improved EU cooperation.
“We urgently need strategic clarity not just warm words,” she told the BBC. “This is not about rejoining the EU, but about making post-Brexit Britain work.”
Summit Overshadowed
The timing of the letter has raised eyebrows, with some viewing it as an intentional move to pressure the Prime Minister ahead of his high-profile meeting with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The government has defended its record, saying it is pursuing a “pragmatic, case-by-case engagement strategy” while respecting the outcome of the Brexit referendum.
“We are strengthening ties in a way that suits the UK’s sovereignty and evolving needs,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.
Yet critics argue that this flexibility has come at the cost of consistency and vision.
Political Fallout
Labour backbenchers have echoed parts of the committee’s critique, pushing for formal structures to govern UK-EU relations, including parliamentary committees and independent advisory panels.
Meanwhile, Eurosceptic MPs warn that any strategic roadmap must not resemble “a backdoor return to Brussels.”
