UK-EU set to seal ties since Brexit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was set to seal a deal for closer ties with the EU at a landmark summit yesterday opening a new chapter after Britain's acrimonious exit from the bloc five years ago.

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EU diplomats said yesterday a deal had been reached on resetting ties with the UK after late night talks to resolve differences on key sticking points.

EU member states had approved a trio of texts to be signed, particularly on defence, and, after a last-minute breakthrough, the thorny issue of fishing rights.

Starmer has pushed for closer UK ties with its European neighbours. The Labour government argues the EU deal negotiated with the UK’s previous Conservative government “isn’t working for anyone’.

But Starmer, who came to power in last July’s general elections ousting the Conservative Party, has several red lines he has said he will not cross.