London, 19 May

The United Kingdom and the European Union are expected to seal new deals on fishing rights and defence as officials meet in London on Monday to discuss closer ties in their first official summit since Brexit.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is to hold talks with EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. British media reported on Monday that officials were set to announce an agreement on fishing access for EU boats in UK waters, as well as details on a defence and security partnership.

There is hope that the agreements could improve the British economy, which has been hit by a drop in EU trade caused by increased costs and red tape after the United Kingdom left the bloc in 2020.

Resetting relations

Since becoming prime minister in July, Starmer has sought to reset relations with the EU, following years of tensions in the wake of the UK's Brexit referendum on June 23, 2016.

Post-Brexit relations have been governed by a trade agreement negotiated by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Starmer thinks that can be improved in a way that boosts trade and bolsters security.

Starmer said Sunday that there would be a deal, without providing details, following trade agreements that the UK struck in recent weeks with India and the United States.

Seeking a better deal

Since the Labour Party returned to power after 14 years of Conservative government, a period that was largely marked by the time leading up to the Brexit vote and its aftermath, both sides have sought to improve relations.

That's been most evident in the more coordinated response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the wake of a change of approach by Washington following the return of US President Donald Trump.

Starmer, who campaigned for the UK to remain within the EU in the referendum and subsequently sought a second vote, has said that he wants a better deal with the 27-nation bloc that will smooth trade between the two sides and bolster security cooperation, including on defense procurement.

Non-tariff barriers

Though no tariffs are slapped on the export of goods between both sides, an array of non-tariff barriers, including more onerous border checks and laborious paperwork, have made trade more difficult.

Post-Brexit visa restrictions have also hobbled the cross-border activities of service professionals, such as bankers or lawyers, as well as cultural exchanges, including touring bands and school trips.

Before the summit — the first in what are planned to be annual events — Starmer said that good progress had been made in negotiations, while insisting that the UK won't breach his red lines.

In its election manifesto last year, Labour said that it wouldn't rejoin the EU's frictionless single market and customs union, nor agree to the free movement of people between the UK and the EU.

Security, defence and youth mobility

Talks on strengthening ties have focused largely on security and defence, and on a youth mobility plan that would allow young Britons and Europeans to live and work temporarily in each other's territory.