We have already begun working to reset the relationship with our European friends and neighbours. The Prime Minister met with President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on 2 October, and they agreed to strengthen the UK-EU relationship and our mutually beneficial co-operation, and on the importance of holding regular UK-EU summits. This is not about renegotiating or relitigating Brexit but about looking forward and realising the potential of the UK-EU relationship.
I thank the Minister for her comments. We really do need to reset our relationship with the European Union. Things such as free movement, movement for young people and working with the European Investment Bank have to get to the top of our priority list. Can we put this nonsense of not liking Europe behind us and get down to business?
The previous Government said they would get Brexit done; they did not think about what would happen afterwards. This Government want to and will make Brexit work.
My Lords, we are no longer a member of the European Union, but we are a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which was created in the vision of Winston Churchill. Last week, colleagues in Strasbourg heard the report that the Council of Europe Development Bank had loaned £1.2 billion across Europe. We did not get a penny in the United Kingdom because we are not a member, so will we join the Council of Europe Development Bank?
My Lords, the Minister should agree that in the cultural area the UK should have much closer relations with the EU. Although the language has changed, we have not yet seen any action at all to address the specific concerns of the arts and creative industries. When will that happen? Every passing week represents lost opportunities and revenues for many artists and creatives who continue to face huge difficulties in Europe.
My Lords, I am glad that the Minister talked about our relationship with the European Union, which was the subject of the Question, not just with Europe vaguely. While the efforts by Ministers and the Prime Minister to improve the mood music by visiting national capitals is of course good background work, it is noteworthy that, after meeting the Prime Minister, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, in effect, “No cherry picking” —as she did to the previous Government. What is the Government’s strategy to improve our trade and our economy by cutting the Brexit red tape stifling our businesses?
It is important to recognise that the mood music is hugely important and has been very much welcomed by the EU. The meeting that the Prime Minister held will be followed by further summits and meetings. As I am sure the noble Baroness understands, this is a precursor to making sure we get things moving.
My Lords, the Minister has spoken about the importance of Ministers meeting. The Parliamentary Partnership Assembly did a lot of good work in the previous Parliament to give a relationship between the United Kingdom Parliaments and the European Parliament. Can the Minister confirm that this assembly will be reconstituted in the near future, as it has proved very useful in the past?
My Lords, I concede that it is not now the time for a big bang approach, but is there not a danger of being overcautious at a time when our public are ready for a more open approach?
We need to recognise that the public were clear that they voted for Brexit, which is why this Government are not seeking to relitigate or renegotiate the entirety of the Brexit deal—but we do want to make Brexit work.