Mujtaba Rahman starts his characteristically perceptive article on EU-UK relations by stating “how much the bloc needs to rethink its approach” (Opinion, August 12).
But just because the UK now has a sensible and pragmatic prime minister does not mean that the mistrust and insults of the past eight years can be magically brushed away. The EU would doubtless like to think that over time the relationship can be “reset” with the Labour government, but Britain still has some way to go to demonstrate that it has become a reliable partner. The Conservative party may be much diminished but remains the principal party of opposition, and shows no sign of converting to a pro-EU position any time soon. The EU is far from convinced that the political class as a whole understands and shares the basic values and principles of the European project. Until a cross-party majority emerges in favour of closer ties, the EU will continue to look on the UK with suspicion and as the guilty party in the separation. Small incremental steps can be achieved, but the poisonous trauma of Brexit means any fundamental rapprochement will sadly remain a distant prospect for the foreseeable future.
David Harley
Former Deputy Secretary-General, European Parliament, London TW1, UK
