UK-EU agreement heralds new Security and Defence Partnership

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The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has today confirmed a new agreement with the European Union – the UK’s largest trading partner – aimed at growing the UK economy and backing British jobs.

Extensive negotiations over the last six months have led to the third major deal struck by the government in as many weeks, following the US and India – which the Prime Minister said will be “good for jobs, good for bills and good for our borders”.

The agreement of the new Security and Defence Partnership will pave the way for the UK defence industry to participate in the EU’s proposed new £150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund, supporting thousands of British jobs and boosting growth.

At a time of increasing global uncertainty and volatility, this will formalise UK-EU co-operation on defence to ensure Europe’s safety and security.

Minister for European Union Relations and lead Government negotiator, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "Today is a historic day, marking the opening of a new chapter in our relationship with the EU that delivers for working people across the UK.

"Since the start of these negotiations, we have worked for a deal to make the British people safer, more secure and more prosperous. Our new UK-EU Strategic Partnership achieves all three objectives. It delivers on jobs, bills and borders. Today is a day of delivery. Britain is back on the world stage with a Government in the service of working people."

Kevin Craven, ADS CEO said: "The new Security and Defence Partnership, announced as a work in progress by No10, is a welcome development, although somewhat underwhelming in its lack of detail.

"While we are assured that this will pave the way for the UK defence industry to participate in the EU’s proposed new £150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund and therefore support thousands of UK jobs, we are reluctant to celebrate too early when the specifics of such a deal remain to be seen.
 
"For UK defence and security, industrial cooperation is mission critical for more than 160,000 jobs, £10 billion in exports and nearly £12 billion in value add to the UK economy. We cannot allow the catch of the day to take priority over the defence of the realm."

Closer cooperation on emissions through linking the UK’s and EU’s respective Emissions Trading Systems will improve the UK’s energy security and avoid businesses being hit by the EU’s carbon tax due to come in next year – which would have sent £800 million directly to the EU’s budget.

Combined, the SPS and Emissions Trading Systems linking measures alone are set to add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040, in a huge boost for growth.

British steel exports are protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs, through a bespoke arrangement for the UK that will save UK steel £25 million per year.  

The UK will also be entering talks about access to EU facial images data for the first time, on top of the existing arrangements for DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data. This will enhance our ability to catch dangerous criminals and ensure they face justice more quickly.

British holidaymakers will be able to use more eGates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.

"We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home.

"So that’s what this deal is all about – facing out into the world once again, in the great tradition of this nation. Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest. Because that is what independent, sovereign nations do."

The UK and the EU have also agreed to cooperate further on a youth experience scheme – which could see young people able to work and travel freely in Europe again. The scheme, which would be capped and time-limited, would mirror existing schemes the UK has with countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Today’s agreement also majors on further work on finding solutions to tackle illegal migration, including on returns and a joint commitment to tackle channel crossings.

This agreement meets the red lines set out in the government’s manifesto – no return to the single market, no return to the customs union and no return to freedom of movement.

The UK will continue to hold talks with the European Union on the details of each commitment.

Gordon Woodward, Managing Director at M&E Global, said: "A strengthened UK-EU defence partnership is set to bolster security co-operation and resource-sharing at a time of geopolitical uncertainty. As Britain agrees to a new security and defence framework, unlocking access to the EU’s €150 billion programme for rearming Europe, the strategic value of closer collaboration is clearer than ever. With Britain considering participation in EU civilian and military crisis management as well as joint procurement initiatives, the potential for more seamless defence coordination is growing.
 
“However, while these advancements are integral, Europe must also focus on practical enhancements that improve operational efficiency and readiness. Streaming military mobility – through better transit corridors, reduced logistical bottlenecks and improved coordination – will be crucial in strengthening collective security across the region. Cross-border movement of personnel and assets must be facilitated with speed and precision, ensuring rapid responses to emerging challenges. As external pressures push Europe to deepen its defence investments, delivering practical solutions that support deployment capabilities will be just as vital as broad policy agreements.”