The UK and EU are set to launch a new partnership, with a summit between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior EU leaders scheduled for May 19. The meeting aims to establish a security pact and discuss areas such as defense, economy, infrastructure, energy supplies, migration, and transnational crime. According to Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, “Our relationship has had some difficulties, but considering what is going on in the world… we need to move forward with this partnership.”
The proposed security pact has received mixed reactions. Some industry experts believe it could boost the UK economy, with Kevin Craven, chief executive of ADS Group, stating that British weapons manufacturers could access up to €150bn in loans for new projects. However, others argue that it may undermine NATO or constrain the UK’s defense decisions. Alex Burghart, a Conservative frontbencher, emphasized that “The cornerstone of our defense is NATO… We know of no reason why NATO is insufficient.”
Veterinary Deal and Border Checks
The UK is also seeking a ‘veterinary’ deal to remove some border checks on food and drink. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office minister leading these negotiations, said the objective is to lower food and drink costs, as promised in the Labour manifesto. Julianne Ponan, whose firm Creative Nature makes vegan snack bars, believes this deal could “open up huge opportunities for businesses like mine.” However, others argue that aligning UK rules with EU ones would compromise the UK’s freedom to set its own regulations. Andrew Griffith, the Conservative Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, called it a “surrender summit,” warning that the UK would lose “our freedom to set our own rules.”
Fishing Rights and Youth Mobility
Fishing rights are another contentious issue, with the EU seeking to extend existing arrangements. David Davis, a former Brexit minister, advised the UK government to “tough it out” and use fishing as leverage to seek concessions. Meanwhile, a proposed youth mobility deal could allow under-30s from the UK and EU to live and work in each other’s countries. Calum Miller of the Liberal Democrats argued that “When we are comfortable having those relationships [with non-EU countries], why are we so averse to having it with our nearest neighbours?”
The upcoming summit may mark a significant step in UK-EU relations, but its outcome remains uncertain. As Sir Keir Starmer’s government navigates these complex negotiations, it faces opposition from various quarters. Richard Tice of Reform UK warned that “If I’m right about our fears, and we win the next general election, we will just reverse the lot.” Nevertheless, Labour’s Thomas-Symonds insists the government is “not returning to the Customs Union, Single Market, or Freedom of Movement,” but rather “making Brexit work in the interests of the British people.”