Should the UK strike a new trade deal with the EU?

After securing economic pacts with India and the US, all eyes will be on Keir Starmer as he attempts a hat-trick with Brussels at next week's summit. But finance experts are split on whether we should cosy up with our old rivals

- By Harvey Jones Personal Finance Editor

TWO down, one to go. That's the position Keir Starmer finds himself in after striking two major trade deals in three days last week. First with India, then with Donald Trump's US. Next up: the European Union. The Prime Minister has now secured valuable agreements with both the world's most populous country and the largest economy of them all.

While both deals have drawn criticism, Starmer will still view them as big wins. Now he'll be keen to complete the hat-trick.

On Monday, he will host a summit in London aimed at resetting relations with the EU. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, will attend.

This will be the first UK-EU summit since we left the bloc. While the official focus is on strengthening defence and security co-operation against Russia's Vladimir Putin, it's expected to go much further.

European Council president António Costa has said the goal is to build "the closest relationship it will be possible to build together". Starmer is also keen to deepen what his spokesperson describes as a "unique relationship" with the EU. Trade is likely to be high on the agenda.