EU deal to see Britain join £150 BILLION defence fund in 'historic' new chapter

Christopher Hope explains new UK-EU deal
GB News
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 19/05/2025

- 12:01

Updated: 13/06/2025

- 07:37

'Britain is back on the world stage,' Labour's chief Brexit negotiator Nick Thomas-Symonds said

Labour has agreed to join a £150billion European defence fund as part of a deal with the EU.

As part of today's reset deal, the UK will be part of the new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund.


The deal was announced shortly after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen arrived at Lancaster House for the UK-EU summit.

The deal was welcomed by ministers, who said the deal would make "the British people safer and more secure".

READ THE FULL DETAILS OF THE DEAL HERE.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives to attend the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House in LondonPrime Minister Keir Starmer arrives to attend the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House in LondonGETTY
\u200bKeir Starmer greets Ursula von der Leyen at UK-EU Summit

Keir Starmer greets Ursula von der Leyen at UK-EU Summit

PA

Labour's chief Brexit negotiator Nick Thomas-Symonds said:"Today is a historic day, marking the opening of a new chapter in our relationship with the EU that delivers for working people across the UK.

"Since the start of these negotiations, we have worked for a deal to make the British people safer, more secure and more prosperous.

"Our new UK-EU Strategic Partnership achieves all three objectives. It delivers on jobs, bills and borders.

"Today is a day of delivery. Britain is back on the world stage with a Government in the service of working people."

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer poses with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and European Council President Antonio Costa ahead of the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer poses with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and European Council President Antonio Costa ahead of the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House

PA

\u200bStarmer looks on during a meeting between the UK and the EU

Starmer looks on during a meeting between the UK and the EU

Reuters

The defence and security pact will let Britain be part of any joint procurement and pave the way for British companies, including BAE, Rolls-Royce Royce and Babcock, to take part in a £126billion programme to rearm Europe.

Under the new partnership, there is greater cooperation on the ongoing war in Ukraine, cybersecurity and crisis management in reaction to global conflict.

Starmer said: "This is the first UK-EU summit, and it marks a new era in our relationship.

"It’s really good that we’re able to meet around this table for this summit, the first of what will be many summits as we progress through this new era.

"We on this side are following through on what the British public voted for last year and the mission of this Government to deliver security and renewal for our country and improve the lives of working people in uncertain times – a new era for defence, security and trade."

Nick Thomas-Symonds and his EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic

Nick Thomas-Symonds and his EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic

PA

Keir Starmer, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa hold press conference after UK-EU Summit

Keir Starmer, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa hold press conference after UK-EU Summit

PA

He continued: "We will do that by strengthening our relationships with allies around the world, including, of course, with Europe."

However, Reform UK deputy leader and Boston and Skegness MP Richard Tice said Labour had capitulated in the negotiations to the EU

He said: "Labour surrenders. Brussels bureaucrats win again."