Britain and the European Union agreed the most significant realignment of relations since Brexit, finalising a sweeping pact to ease trade friction, bolster continental security, and expand youth mobility, according to Reuters.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signing the deal with EU leaders in London on Monday, framed it as a pragmatic step to “move on from the stale old political fights” amid fierce criticism from Nigel Farage and Conservative opponents.
It’s time to look forward — to move on from the stale old political fights and to find common sense, practical solutions that improve the lives of British people.
Central to the reset is a landmark defence agreement allowing British participation in joint EU military procurement programmes, including a €150 billion ($167 billion) initiative to rearm Europe. While UK firms like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce could bid for contracts, final terms require further negotiation.
The deal also streamlines border checks for British food exporters, slashing post-Brexit paperwork that has crippled small producers. In return, the UK granted EU fishing fleets 12-year access to British waters.
However, Britain’s refusal to join the single market or customs union carries potential benefits as Starmer seeks to negotiate greater market access in some areas.
Key provisions include accelerated e-gate access for UK travellers at EU airports, a provisional youth mobility scheme, and talks on rejoining the Erasmus+ student exchange programme, axed under former PM Boris Johnson.
The agreement reflects Starmer’s bid to heal wounds from the 2016 referendum, which polarised the nation over migration, sovereignty, and identity. With Farage leading Reform UK in opinion surveys, Starmer treads carefully to avoid alienating Leave voters.
