Keir Starmer discussed a range of political issues with French president Emmanuel Macron as the Labour leader reportedly hopes to renegotiate Britain's deal with the European Union if his party win the next general election expected next year.
The leader of the opposition, whose party is well ahead of Rishi Sunak's Conservatives in the polls, told reporters after leaving the tete-a-tete that it was a "constructive" meeting, with many topics broached though apparently no talk about Brexit.
It was a "very political discussion covering a lot of issues to do with global politics but also it was that opportunity to look at future prosperity, future security, some of the most pressing issues on my mind, on the president’s mind", Starmer told Sky News.
Ahead of the meeting, he did admit one of his aims if Labour wins the election is to improve the trading agreement with the EU.
“Almost everyone recognises the deal Johnson struck is not a good deal – it’s far too thin," he told the Financial Times on Sunday. "As we go into 2025 we will attempt to get a much better deal for the UK."
With the next general election due to take place no later than January 2025, Starmer's team were reportedly hoping the meeting would allow him to test the appetite for a broader trading arrangement if the party is victorious, though they have been warned that significant concessions will need to be offered by the UK.
Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU, the customs union and the single market but aims to revise terms of the trade and cooperating agreement (TCA), with improved cooperation in professional services, security, innovation, research and other areas.
Shadow trade secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds on Monday night said Labour wanted greater unity on such things as agricultural standards, crime and security, qualifications and kitemarks, and travel for students, young people and performing artists.
A new defence and security pact has also been touted.