Defence EU-UK security pact at risk from fishing rights disputes

Keir Starmer's hopes for a defence and security pact risk being stalled over fishing rights, as he heads to Brussels for the first post-Brexit meeting of its kind today.

- Jennifer Rankin & Rowena Mason

The prime minister has been invited to join the EU's 27 heads of state and government for dinner in Brussels to discuss EU-UK defence, a subject that has gained urgency after Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine.

The invitation, from the European Council president, Antonio Costa, comes before an EU-UK summit this spring, which is intended to be a springboard for improving the relationship, although possible outcomes remain unclear.

The wider EU-UK reset is not on the day's agenda but Starmer is still facing calls from the Liberal Democrats to use the summit as an opportunity to push for a return to the customs union.

The prime minister ruled that out yesterday - rejoining the single market, customs union and free movement were red lines, he said. However, ultimately, a deal on security cooperation and smoother customs arrangements will be a priority for the UK.

The working dinner in central Brussels will be the first time a UK prime minister has met all 27 EU leaders since Britain's formal exit from the union five years ago. Starmer will also meet the Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte, who is seen as one of Europe's most skilful communicators with Donald Trump.