Labour Government working with Germany on 'closer' ties with EU, Berlin says
Germany's foreign office made the remarks as the new Foreign Secretary made his first overseas visit.
The Labour Government is working with Germany to see how Britain “can move closer to the EU”, Berlin’s foreign ministry said.
In a post on X as David Lammy made his first visit as Foreign Secretary, Germany’s foreign office said: “The United Kingdom is our close friend and partner. Together we stand up for democracy and freedom in the world.
It added: "The United Kingdom is an indispensable part of Europe.
"Whether in science, culture or security – (Germany) and (Britain) work closely together: We are working with the new UK Government to see how the UK can move closer to the EU.”
Speaking ahead of his trip on Saturday, Mr Lammy said it was time to “put the Brexit years behind us”.
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The Labour politician, who voted for Remain and backed a second referendum, told The Guardian: “We are not going to rejoin the single market and the customs union but there is much that we can do together.”
He added: “I want to be absolutely clear, European nations are our friends.”
Writing in The Local Europe ahead of his trip to Germany, the Foreign Secretary said he was looking "forward to seeing Britain reconnect with our European neighbours in the years ahead".
He also outlined the needs to "improve Britain’s relationship with the European Union".
The Foreign Secretary is also travelling to Poland and Sweden today to meet his counterparts before the UK hosts the European Political Community summit later this month.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to rewrite the Brexit deal if he won power at the General Election.
But the Prime Minister, who also backed Remain, insisted he would not rejoin the single market or customs union.
The Tories warned during the election campaign that Labour would put Brexit at risk and drag the UK back to the EU.