By Ayomide Otitoju
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to sign a new agreement with the European Union on Monday, marking a major step toward redefining UK-EU relations nearly five years after Brexit.
Downing Street announced on Saturday that the deal aims to lay the foundation for a “forward-looking partnership” between the UK and the 27-member bloc. The talks will take place at Lancaster House in London, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas attending.
“This week, the prime minister will strike yet another deal that will deliver in the national interest of this country,” the statement said, highlighting recent trade successes with the United States and India.
Since taking office in July, Starmer has sought a closer alignment with the EU than the previous Conservative government. The upcoming summit is expected to address increased security cooperation amid rising concerns over Russian aggression and uncertainty about future U.S. support under former President Donald Trump.
The talks could pave the way for UK participation in EU defence missions and access to the bloc’s €150 billion ($167 billion) defence fund. However, key sticking points remain, including Britain’s red lines on the customs union and single market.
In an interview with The Times, Starmer described the upcoming deal as “a really significant moment,” reaffirming the UK’s willingness to align regulations on food and agriculture without compromising its sovereignty.
A potential breakthrough has emerged with Starmer indicating openness to a youth mobility scheme, which would allow young Europeans to live and work in the UK. He insisted the policy does not violate the UK’s post-Brexit position on free movement.
With the opposition Reform UK party gaining ground, Starmer is treading carefully on immigration-related issues. Despite domestic political pressure, he reaffirmed his internationalist stance, stating, “In this time of great uncertainty and volatility, the UK will not respond by turning inwards, but by proudly taking our place on the world stage.”
