British Prime Minister Keir Starmer yesterday hailed a new partnership with the EU, forged at a landmark summit, opening a new chapter in ties after Britain’s acrimonious exit from the bloc five years ago.
Starmer said it “marks a new era in our relationship... We are agreeing a new strategic partnership fit for our times.”
He said that “real, tangible benefits” for the UK would be seen in “security, irregular migration, energy prices, agri food, trade,” as well as “bringing down bills, creating jobs and protecting our borders.”
Photo: AP
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was “a big day because we are now turning the page and opening a new chapter.”
“That is so important in these times, because we see the rise of geopolitical tensions, but we are like minded. We share values,” she added.
EU diplomats said a deal had been reached on resetting ties with the UK after late-night talks to resolve differences on key sticking points.
EU member states have approved a trio of texts to be signed at the summit, particularly on defense, and, after a last-minute breakthrough, the thorny issue of fishing rights.
Starmer’s Labour government had argued the EU deal negotiated with the UK’s previous Conservative government “isn’t working for anyone.”
However, Starmer, who came to power in general elections in July last year ousting the Conservatives, has several red lines he has said he will not cross.
Sticking points have remained over some EU demands and the Conservatives are already criticizing the reset move as a “surrender.”
The two sides were to ink the “Security and Defence Partnership” — the highlight of yesterday’s sit-down between Starmer and Von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
Two other documents were set to be signed yesterday — a joint statement of European solidarity from the EU-UK leaders’ summit and a Common Understanding on topics from trade to fishing and youth mobility.
Under the final agreement, the UK would keep its waters open for European fishers for 12 years after the current deal expires next year, in return for the 27-nation bloc indefinitely easing red tape on food imports from the UK, diplomats said.
On youth mobility, negotiators agreed to general wording that leaves the haggling for later.
The issue is another main source of friction, with London fearing any youth mobility scheme could spell a return to freedom of movement between the EU and the UK. Starmer, who has vowed to battle rising irregular immigration, is approaching the issue cautiously amid soaring support for Nigel Farage’s hard-right anti-immigration and euroskeptic party Reform UK.
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