A new EU negotiator is being recruited as Sir Keir Starmer looks to reset Britain’s relationship with the European Union.
The role is advertised by the Cabinet Office and comes with a salary of up to £200,000 and will focus on overseeing UK dealings with the EU.
The position will act as the principal adviser to both Sir Keir and the Minister for European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds.
Key responsibilities will include preparing for renewal talks on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in 2025, which governs post-Brexit relations.
The negotiator will represent Sir Keir in EU discussions and lead official-level talks to strengthen trade and security ties.
The Cabinet Office said the new role is key when it comes to driving economic growth and building closer links with Europe.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “As we reset our relationship with the EU, building closer trade and security links and encouraging more investment from around the world, this new role will oversee that work.”
Sir Keir, who has previously stressed the importance of improving ties with the EU, has already visited several European capitals since becoming Prime Minister.
Labour says the new approach will tackle trade barriers, address people-smuggling, and enhance cooperation with allies to counter threats such as Russian aggression.
A Labour source also dismissed claims that the move signals a reversal of Brexit.
“There will be no return to the EU, customs union, single market or freedom of movement,” they said.
They added: “We are focused on acting in the national interest.”
Nonetheless, the decision to appoint an EU negotiator has drawn criticism from Conservative figures, who accused Sir Keir of undermining Brexit.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “The Conservative Party will not stand by and allow the will of the British people be reversed while Labour arrogantly capitulates to the EU.”
