Britain is on the verge of securing its most significant realignment with the European Union since Brexit, aiming for enhanced cooperation on trade and defence to stimulate economic growth and reinforce continental security.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former supporter of remaining in the EU, is betting that the practical advantages of closer EU ties will outweigh criticism from Brexit hardliners such as Reform UK’s Nigel Farage. The upcoming London summit is expected to mark a pivotal moment in UK-EU relations, with Starmer advocating for a modernized partnership that reflects a changed global landscape.
Central to the new agreement will be a defence and security pact, which could open the door for British defence firms to participate in the EU’s €150 billion European rearmament initiative. This strategic pivot comes in response to global shifts triggered by Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have compelled many nations to reassess their defence and trade alliances.
Recently, Britain finalized a comprehensive trade deal with India and secured limited tariff relief from the United States. Simultaneously, the EU has accelerated its own outreach, pursuing trade agreements with India and deepening strategic ties with partners like Canada, Australia, Japan, and Singapore.
Negotiations between the UK and EU extended into Sunday night ahead of Monday’s high-profile summit in London, which will feature European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. While progress has been made, an EU diplomat cautioned that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.”
Key UK priorities include significantly reducing border checks and simplifying paperwork for food and agricultural exports. Additionally, the UK is seeking access to EU fast-track e-gates at airports—a move likely to be well-received by British travellers.
In return, Britain may agree to a limited youth mobility scheme and could also rejoin the Erasmus student exchange programme. France, meanwhile, is pushing for a long-term agreement on fishing rights—an emotionally charged issue from the Brexit era.
Navigating a Divided Legacy
The 2016 Brexit referendum laid bare deep divisions in British society—over migration, sovereignty, culture, and trade—plunging the country into a period of political instability. In the years since, Britain has seen five prime ministers come and go, with relations with Brussels repeatedly strained.
Although polling now suggests many Britons regret leaving the EU, there is little appetite to formally rejoin. Starmer’s political space is further constrained by Farage’s resurgence, as Reform UK tops some recent opinion polls.
However, Starmer’s more conciliatory posture, free from the baggage of previous Brexit confrontations, has helped restore goodwill with EU leaders. His rapport with French President Emmanuel Macron, grounded in shared support for Ukraine, has further bolstered UK-EU relations.
Balancing Pragmatism and Politics
While Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union, he is pursuing targeted improvements in market access. This selective approach faces resistance from Brussels, which is wary of “cherry-picking” EU benefits without full obligations.
For example, easing restrictions on food trade will likely require Britain to accept EU oversight on standards. Starmer is expected to argue that such concessions are worthwhile if they help reduce food prices and stimulate economic growth.
Any long-term agreement on fishing rights is bound to provoke backlash from Farage, while the opposition Conservative Party has derided Monday’s summit as a “surrender summit.”
Still, some trade experts believe the government is right to “break the taboo” of aligning with EU rules, especially if it supports farmers and small businesses. Greater cooperation on defence adds reciprocity to the deal and reflects the geopolitical reality of an increasingly unstable world.
“With trade disruption being both visible and significant, reducing friction with the UK’s largest trading partner is a logical move,” said Allie Renison, a former UK government trade advisor now with consultancy SEC Newgate.
