Leaders of the United Kingdom and the European Union hailed what they’re calling a “reset” as they signed a series of fresh deals on trade and defense five years after Brexit. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal a “win-win” as he spoke alongside his European counterparts.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “In uncertain times, a new era for defense, security and trade, we will do that by strengthening our relationships with allies around the world, including, of course, with Europe. So, that is what today is all about: moving on from stale, old debates; looking forward, not backwards.”
The agreement seeks to facilitate trade, including by easing checks on certain animal and plant products. It also extends European access to U.K. waters for fishing and makes travel between the U.K. and the EU easier. Britain’s opposition Conservative Party accused Starmer of “surrendering” to an EU-dominated system and backtracking on Brexit.