'European reset' important for protecting British way of life

KEIR Starmer has made much fuss about his recent trade deals. In an appeal to Brexiteers and Reform he stressed that now, as an independent country, we can make deals with whoever we want to.

- David Taylor-Gooby

Looked at in purely economic terms the American and Indian ones could deliver more for the economy than the “European Reset” in its present form, but I do not think that is the main value of it. I think it was significant as signalling a turning point, that the UK sees itself as aligning itself with Europe not just for trade but for defence and cooperation in an uncertain world.

Most important was the deal that would give the UK access to the new EU procurement fund for defence equipment. Our own defence industry, which had virtually given up on Europe, will welcome the chance to apply.

But is all this emphasis on defence spending necessary? Might not the Labour Government prefer to spend money on other things? I think it is an argument which needs to be resolved.

We are all aware of the situation in Ukraine, where despite Russia's greater size and manpower, they only seem to be able to advance at a very slow rate.

The resistance of the Ukrainians is magnificent. Despite besieging the border town of Pokrovsk for nine months, Russia has been unable to take it, and is losing 1,000 men dead or wounded each day. Instead, the Russians resort to missile and drone attacks on civilian centres.

From what evidence we have, the civilian population seems to be bearing up very well. I have just read the journalist Jen Stout's account of bombing in Kharkiv, where some people seem permanently to live in the metro stations. "At least we get fed" one woman remarked. (See "Night Train to Odessa" by Jen Stout)