A major step forward has been made in negotiations between the UK and the European Union, just as Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes European leaders to London for the first UK-EU summit since Brexit.
Government officials revealed that a key hurdle in the talks—fishing rights—was resolved late Sunday evening, setting the stage for new cooperation across several areas.
The breakthrough came around 10:30 pm, clearing a path for discussions on a broader partnership. Talks had been stuck over fishing access and trade regulations, but both sides now appear ready to move forward. The summit, being held in the capital today, is seen as a chance to reset the relationship that has been strained since Britain’s departure from the EU in 2020.
Though the UK government insists that it has no plans to rejoin the EU’s single market, customs union, or freedom of movement framework, it is open to closer collaboration in areas such as defense, trade, youth exchange programs, and border security. Among the proposals is a youth mobility scheme that could allow young people to work and study more freely across both regions.
Defense is also high on the agenda. Labour’s administration is pushing for a new security pact to deepen cooperation against shared threats. This could be linked to the EU’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) plan, which would offer financial support to member states investing in defense. The UK is interested in allowing its defense firms to compete for contracts under this scheme, but EU countries remain divided on whether non-members should have access.
The talks mark a clear shift in tone after years of Brexit tension and political silence. For some, the renewed dialogue feels like a moment of return to old debates—sovereignty, trade, and shared resources—but this time with less noise and more focus.
Still, not everyone welcomes the developments. Critics from the Conservative Party are labeling the event a “surrender summit,” while Reform UK warns of “the great British sellout.” On the other hand, the Liberal Democrats call the talks a “huge opportunity” to rebuild connections lost since Brexit.
No final agreements have been announced, but expectations are high that Starmer and EU leaders could unveil new arrangements by the end of the summit. Whether this moment marks the beginning of a long-term shift in Britain’s post-Brexit role remains to be seen—but for now, it is clear that both sides are back at the table and ready to cooperate.