Starmer to host first UK-EU summit since Brexit

LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts European Union chiefs on Monday for a landmark summit designed to usher in a closer relationship between Britain and the bloc, five years after Brexit.

The meeting in London is expected to deliver the first results from Starmer’s much-heralded “reset” of the UK’s ties with its European neighbours following the rancour of the post-Brexit years.

On Saturday, Downing Street announced the Labour leader would be striking a deal for a “strengthened, forward-looking partnership” with the 27 EU members. Starmer said it would be “good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders”.

Talks were going down the wire to resolve squabbling over long-standing issues, including fishing rights and a youth mobility scheme, but negotiators were hopeful of at least signing a defence and security partnership.

It would mark a symbolic step in turning the page on the animosity that followed Britain’s exit from the bloc in January 2020.