UK to bury Brexit hatchet with EU as both sides seek to boost support for Ukraine | World | News
The UK and EU look set to bury the Brexit hatchet, as they seek to cooperate over Ukraine and the Middle East crisis.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been invited to attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday.
This will be the first time in two years a British Foreign Secretary will join the group of 27 EU ministers.
The talks will centre on the main challenges facing European security in a changing and unpredictable world.
In particular, ministers will discuss how the UK and EU can work together to tackle continued Russian aggression and interference across the continent, as well as the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
The invitation to the EU conference was extended by Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat.
It follows Sir Keir Starmer‘s recent visit to Brussels, where the Prime Minister pledged to move beyond Brexit and make the UK’s relationship with the EU work for the British people.
The Foreign Office said UK’s attendance at the meeting will be part of more regular engagement, with plans for closer working on international affairs.
Mr Lammy said: “UK security is indivisible from European security.
“This Government is determined to reset our relationships and deepen ties with our European partners in order to make us all safer.
“This visit is an opportunity for the UK to be back at the table, discussing the most pressing global issues with our closest neighbours and tackle the seismic challenges we all face.”
Last week the Prime Minister met European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for talks in Brussels, with Sir Keir promising to offer “pragmatic, sensible leadership” as he pushed for a reset in the UK-EU relationship after the chaotic Tory years.
Ms von der Leyen said the various arrangements put in place since the Brexit vote, including the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), needed to be fully implemented.
It comes as Lord Mandelson suggested the UK could start talks on rejoining the EU in ten years’ time during a speech in Edinburgh.
The Labour peer also said it was essential in the meantime for the UK’s productivity and growth to reduce the damaging impact of the Brexit deal struck by Boris Johnson “as best we possibly can”.
