LONDON — The UK government is signalling a new push to strengthen Britain's relationship with the European Union, with ministers seeking more ambitious cooperation across services, worker mobility, professional qualifications, defence and technology.

Minister for European Relations Hamish Falconer said the government wants to accelerate the post-Brexit reset while maintaining Labour's existing position that Britain will not rejoin the EU single market or customs union.

The approach marks a potentially important change in the tone of UK-EU relations. Previous discussions had struggled to make progress on issues including youth mobility and practical arrangements affecting businesses and citizens.

Services are emerging as a major priority for the new negotiations. The government believes closer cooperation could reduce barriers for British companies operating in Europe while improving opportunities for professionals working across borders.

Ministers are also looking at cooperation in areas such as energy, security, climate policy and technology, reflecting Britain's continuing economic and strategic links with European countries.

The government says any agreement must deliver tangible benefits for people across Britain rather than simply improve diplomatic relations. Falconer has described this approach as applying a "Makerfield test" — judging whether European policy produces practical gains for working communities.

The renewed EU push could become one of the defining foreign-policy issues of the new government, particularly as businesses continue to adjust to the consequences of Brexit and Britain seeks stronger cooperation with European partners.

The negotiations are still at an early stage, but the government's latest position suggests that the UK-EU relationship could enter a more constructive and commercially focused phase during the months ahead.