The United Kingdom agreed on Monday, the 19th of May, to resume its most significant relationship with the European Union (EU) since leaving the bloc, or Brexit, nine years ago, lifting some trade restrictions and launching defence cooperation to help grow the economy and boost security on the continent after US President Donald Trump upset the global order and forced the two sides to end their acrimonious split, according to Reuters.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed EU leaders to a London summit on Monday to reset relations with the EU.
Trump’s tariffs and warnings that Europe should do more to protect itself have forced governments around the world to review ties on trade, defence and security and brought Starmer closer to French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders.
The government said that renewing relations with its biggest trading partner would cut red tape for food and agricultural producers, making food cheaper, improving energy security and boosting the economy by nearly nine billion pounds by 2040.
This is the third deal the UK has signed this month, following agreements with India and the US, and while it is unlikely to provide an immediate major economic boost, it could improve business sentiment by attracting much-needed investment.
“It is time to look forward,” said Starmer in a statement. “To stop the old debates and political battles and find sensible, practical solutions that deliver the best for the British people.”
“WE ARE READY TO WORK WITH PARTNERS IF IT MEANS WE CAN IMPROVE PEOPLE’S LIVES HERE AT HOME.”
The renewal of relations is based on a defence and security pact that will allow Britain to participate in all joint procurement, but further agreement will be needed to allow British companies including BAE, Rolls Royce and Babcock to participate in the 150 billion euro European rearm programme.
Under the deal, UK and EU fishing vessels will be able to use each other’s waters for 12 years. In return, paperwork and border controls will be reduced, making it easier for small food producers to export to Europe.
The government says British holidaymakers in Europe will soon no longer have to queue at border controls and will be able to use much faster e-gates at EU airports.
The UK has also agreed to a framework plan for a limited youth travel programme, the details of which will be decided later, and the possibility of joining the Erasmus+ student exchange programme is being discussed.
Starmer, who supported remaining in the EU, hopes that tangible British benefits, such as faster e-gates at EU airports, will outweigh the criticism of Brexiters. Nigel Farage and the Conservative Party, which pushed for Brexit, have strongly criticised the new deal.
Polls show that most Britons now regret the 2016 referendum vote, even though they do not want to join the EU.