Britain to be at 'heart of Europe' as key UK-EU summit announced, Keir Starmer says

Britain to be at 'heart of Europe' as key UK-EU summit announced, Keir Starmer says The PM showed he is cracking on with the job as he announced July 22 for the gathering as he met with European leaders at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France Keir Starmer said Britain will be at the “heart of Europe” ahead of a key UK-EU summit in Brussels next month. The PM showed he is cracking on with the job as he announced July 22 for the gathering as he met with European leaders at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. Mr Starmer is fighting for his political future with Andy Burnham expected to try to challenge the PM if he is successful at the Makerfield by-election on Thursday. Downing Street said Mr Starmer is “committed to the task” of delivering for Brits when asked if he would be in post for next month’s summit. The PM's spokesman said: “The Prime Minister is committed to his task of delivering for the British people. He's been very clear about his views on his position. You've got him on record on that, and nothing has changed.” Announcing the UK-EU summit date, Mr Starmer added: “My Labour Government is delivering on our promise to reset our relationship and put Britain at the heart of Europe. “Together we will tackle the cost of living, boost jobs and create opportunities for young people.” A youth mobility deal, allowing British and EU member state citizens under 30 to live, work and study in each other’s countries, is set to be agreed at the summit. But there is still wrangling over tuition fees for EU students in England, UK calls for a cap on the numbers who can take part in the scheme and uncertainty over the willingness of European nations to issue visas for British youngsters. Downing Street added: “We're working together with the EU to create a balanced youth experience scheme, which will create new opportunities for young people to live, work, study, and travel, but as I say, those discussions continue. The PM has always been clear that he'll act in the UK's national interest.” Arguments over Brexit have exploded again in recent weeks after leadership hopeful Wes Streeting floated the idea of rejoining the EU. Andy Burnham hosed down calls for Brexit to be reversed earlier last month, saying Britain would be stuck in a "permanent rut" if it gets stuck into arguing about Brexit again. The Greater Manchester Mayor appears to have softened his position after saying he hoped the UK would rejoin the EU in his lifetime at Labour's annual conference in September. At the G7 summit, Mr Starmer on Tuesday held separate meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council António Costa. Mr Costa said: “Close EU–UK cooperation is essential for our shared European security, resilience, and prosperity. We are working closely together to make our upcoming second summit in Brussels on 22 July a success.”