British premier nears defence pact with EU

Meeting with von der Leyen held in London

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Britain is edging towards a new defence agreement with the European Union that officials on both sides hope will help to improve post-Brexit ties following US President Donald Trump's upending of security and trade alliances.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been trying to reset ties with the EU since his centre-left Labour Party won last year's national election, and his government has focused on security and defence first — an area of strength for Britain.

That could pave the way for closer cooperation elsewhere, but Mr Starmer needs to avoid appearing to move too closely towards the 27-nation EU as his government is also seeking an improved economic deal with Washington to lower some US import tariffs.

“In a world which seems increasingly unstable with an uncertain future, it is so good that we are working so closely together on so many issues: defence and security... but also on trade and the economy,” Mr Starmer said at the start of talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, adding the reset would be of “huge benefit” to both sides.