British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to sign a new agreement with the European Union (EU) in the coming days, aiming to improve relations five years after the United Kingdom left the bloc. The talks, taking place today at Lancaster House in London, mark the first major EU-UK summit since Brexit.
Starmer will meet with top EU leaders including Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa, and Kaja Kallas. His office described the summit as a “significant moment” in rebuilding trust and cooperation.
“This week, the prime minister will strike yet another deal that will deliver in the national interest,” said a statement from Downing Street. The announcement follows recent trade progress with the United States and India.
The main focus of the talks is a defense and security partnership, which both sides see as urgent due to the growing threat from Russia and uncertainty over future support from the United States. The UK could gain access to a new €150 billion EU defense fund and participate in joint missions.
While Starmer is not looking to rejoin the EU’s single market or customs union, he has suggested aligning regulations on food and agriculture to ease trade. Discussions have also included allowing young Europeans to live and work in the UK under a youth mobility scheme, though freedom of movement remains off the table.
Last-minute disagreements over fishing rights and border checks have caused delays, but both sides remain hopeful for progress.
In his latest statement, Starmer said, “In this time of uncertainty, the UK will not turn inwards but proudly take its place on the world stage.”
