Marvin OnumonuPrime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed a new agreement with the European Union (EU) aimed at supporting British businesses, jobs, and putting more money in people’s pockets.
The deal follows six months of negotiations and is the third major deal in three weeks, following agreements with the US and India.
Additionally, a new security and defence partnership will allow the UK defence industry to take part in the EU’s proposed £150bn Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund, supporting jobs.
The agreement formalises UK-EU co-operation on defence.
The UK and EU have also agreed to discuss a youth experience scheme.
This could allow young people to work and travel freely in Europe again, under a capped and time-limited arrangement similar to existing UK schemes with Australia and New Zealand.
Starmer said: “It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.
“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home.
“So that’s what this deal is all about – facing out into the world once again, in the great tradition of this nation.”
Starmer added: “Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest. Because that is what independent, sovereign nations do.”
Minister for European Union Relations and Lead Government negotiator, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “Today is a historic day, marking the opening of a new chapter in our relationship with the EU that delivers for working people across the UK.
“Since the start of these negotiations, we have worked for a deal to make the British people safer, more secure and more prosperous.
“Our new UK-EU Strategic Partnership achieves all three objectives. It delivers on jobs, bills and borders.”
Thomas-Symonds added: “Today is a day of delivery. Britain is back on the world stage with a Government in the service of working people.”
