The UK and EU are in the toughest stage of talks to agree a common security pact, Defence Secretary John Healey said, as the government seeks to secure access to European spending programs for British firms.
“We’re in the hardest yards of the negotiations,” Healey said in an interview with Bloomberg’s Lizzy Burden as he touted a package of measures to boost Britain’s defense industry. “We’ve said from the outset that we are ready to strike an agreement if the EU will do so too.”
It comes as the government is trying to bolster the UK’s military and rebuild its industrial base, prompted by US President Donald Trump’s reticence to keep funding Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s illegal invasion. But Healey denied that seeking closer defense ties with the EU would come at the expense of the UK’s relationship with the US.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government wants firmer language on defense industrial cooperation and joint efforts to counter illegal migration, according to the people, who asked not to be identified while discussing ongoing negotiations. The two sides are racing to secure a deal before a summit in London planned for May 19.
One British official praised what they described as positive elements in the EU’s initial draft, including a commitment for annual exchanges between ministers and officials focused on areas including Russia’s war in Ukraine, cybersecurity, counterterrorism and hybrid warfare. Both sides are open to considering the UK’s participation in civilian and military missions as part of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy, according to the people and documents.
However, UK officials said they would work with the EU in the coming days to draft a final document that sends a stronger message on the ambition for defense industrial policy. While the draft referred to exploring potential mutual involvement in each side’s defense initiatives, it didn’t mention Britain’s aim of accessing the €150 billion fund or indicate how that might come about.
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