UK-EU to seal closer ties in 1st summit since Brexit

Prime Minister Keir Starmer was set to seal a deal for closer ties with the European Union at a landmark summit on Monday, opening a new chapter after Britain’s acrimonious exit from the bloc five years ago.

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EU diplomats said on Monday 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 defense, and, after a last-minute breakthrough, the thorny issue of fishing rights.

Starmer has pushed for closer UK ties with its European neighbors. The Labor 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.

Sticking points have remained over some EU demands and the Conservatives are already criticizing the reset move as a “surrender.”

A source close to the talks told AFP that there was a “late breakthrough last night (and) still steps to take”.

The two sides would ink the “Security and Defense Partnership” -- the highlight of Monday’s sit-down between Starmer and EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa and chief diplomat Kaja Kallas.