Britain and the European Union (EU) agreed on Monday to the most significant reset of their defence and trade relations since Brexit. Nearly 9 years after leaving the EU, Britain will now join joint European defence procurement projects and ease access for UK food exports and travellers to the bloc. The new deal includes a contentious fishing agreement granting 12 years of mutual access to waters, while reducing bureaucratic hurdles for food producers. It also outlines a limited youth mobility scheme and discussions on UK participation in the Erasmus+ programme. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who supported Remain in the 2016 referendum, said the reset would bring practical benefits, reduce red tape, enhance energy security, and add nearly £9 billion to the economy by 2040. The agreement comes after recent trade deals with India and the US. The deal faced criticism from Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage and the opposition Conservatives, but signals renewed cooperation between Britain and the EU amid ongoing challenges, including Ukraine and global trade tensions. Starmer's approach avoids full EU membership but seeks improved market access, accepting some EU oversight on food standards to benefit British farmers and businesses. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: M. S. Salama
