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Earlier this month, in London’s Lancaster House, Metropolitan Police officers enjoyed tea and biscuits while, upstairs, European politicians convened to discuss future cooperation.

The venue was symbolically rich, reflecting the intertwined history of the UK and Europe. Lancaster House’s architecture echoes Versailles, and has hosted historical figures including Queen Victoria and Tony Blair.

The meeting, hosted by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, addressed crucial issues: the Ukraine war, European security, and – significantly – a UK-EU summit scheduled for May 19th, the first since Brexit.

The British government considers this a landmark moment. Pre-Brexit, UK prime ministers attended numerous Brussels summits. Post-Brexit, large-scale summits ceased.

The Labour government, elected on a platform of improved EU relations, aims to re-establish regular interactions. Monday’s summit marks the beginning, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosting leading EU figures to launch a new partnership.

EU Ambassador Pedro Serrano calls it a culmination of high-level contacts since the 2024 UK elections. However, the summit’s impact remains uncertain.

Is it a “surrender summit,” as Conservatives claim? A “great British sellout,” as Reform UK fears? A missed opportunity, as Liberal Democrats suggest? Or, as Sir Keir Starmer argues, a demonstration of pragmatism overcoming political posturing?

During the 2020 Brexit negotiations, a Security and Defence Partnership was discussed but ultimately stalled. Now, a new security pact is central to the planned agreement.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, present at early Lancaster House talks, acknowledges past difficulties but emphasizes the need for forward progress given global events.

However, some oppose the partnership. Conservative MP Alex Burghart believes NATO is sufficient, while Reform UK’s Richard Tice sees no value in a “bungling…military structure.”

The government counters that the partnership complements, not undermines, NATO, encompassing broader areas like economic, infrastructure, and energy security, as well as migration and crime.

Industry experts foresee economic benefits. Kevin Craven of the ADS Group highlights the EU’s SAFE program, offering potential access to substantial funding for British weapons manufacturers.

Craven estimates a potential 20% boost to EU defense output. Liberal Democrat spokesperson Calum Miller also sees this as a significant opportunity for the British defense industry and a chance for strategic continental engagement.

The UK has already collaborated with the EU on defense post-Ukraine invasion, yet the significance of a formal partnership is debated. Jill Rutter, a former civil servant, suggests the partnership represents incremental change, not a dramatic shift.

Others argue it will establish new avenues for cooperation. A particularly contentious point is a potential “veterinary” deal to ease border checks on food and drink.

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds cites a government mandate for this, driven by industry calls for reform. Julianne Ponan of Creative Nature illustrates the current challenges of exporting to the EU.

A veterinary deal would significantly impact Northern Ireland, simplifying trade while potentially requiring alignment with EU rules and oversight.

Critics, like Conservative Andrew Griffith, label this a “surrender summit,” fearing a loss of regulatory autonomy. Reform UK uses stronger language, predicting a “Great British sell out”.

Tice advocates for rapid divergence from the EU’s allegedly failing economic model. Labour’s Thomas-Symonds dismisses these as recycled arguments.

Conversely, some argue that Sir Keir Starmer is too cautious. Liberal Democrats call for exploring a customs union, despite potential limitations on independent trade deals.

David Henig, a former trade negotiator, views the summit as incremental, focusing on modest trade enhancements. Jill Rutter suggests a veterinary deal, while not economically transformative, could serve as a model for future cooperation.

The issue of fishing rights is complex. The current agreement expires next year, and the EU seeks an extension. David Davis, former Brexit minister, critiques the initial agreement as overly concessional.

He advocates for a firmer stance, leveraging fishing rights for concessions. However, the EU also holds leverage, given the importance of the continental market for British fish.

A youth mobility deal, allowing under-30s from the UK and EU to live and work in each other’s countries, has generated interest. While the government initially dismissed such a deal, it’s now under consideration, likely with strict limitations to control migration.

Calum Miller questions the aversion to such a scheme with the closest neighbours, given similar agreements with other countries. Paula Surridge, a professor of political sociology, suggests that public concerns about immigration are more nuanced than often perceived.

She argues that the political risks to Labour are smaller than they appear. Lord Hayward expresses caution, fearing a potential backlash if the deal is viewed as facilitating free movement.

Even before the summit, opponents raise concerns about a potential return to closer EU ties. Andrew Griffith worries about Sir Keir Starmer’s perceived pro-EU leanings.

Richard Tice vows to reverse any agreements if Reform UK wins the next election. Thomas-Symonds maintains that the government won’t compromise its red lines, aiming to make Brexit work for British citizens.

The historical context of Lancaster House, with its depiction of Wellington’s victory over Napoleon, serves as a reminder of past geopolitical struggles. While this summit won’t be as pivotal, it still carries significant weight in the ongoing UK-EU relationship.

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A new tax will impact billions of packages, primarily from China.

It remains unclear whether UK travelers can avoid airport queues in Europe this summer using e-gates.

Negotiations continue on a youth visa scheme and UK financial contributions.

A food producer anticipates reduced export paperwork due to the new UK-EU deal.

The deal encompasses defense, trade, fishing, and a potential youth scheme, representing a significant post-Brexit reset.

Listen to Damian read this article

Earlier this month, Metropolitan Police officers enjoyed tea and biscuits in Lancaster House’s anteroom, while upstairs, European politicians convened to discuss future cooperation.

The setting was fitting: Lancaster House reflects the UK and Europe’s intertwined history. Its grand staircase echoes Versailles; Queen Victoria hosted Chopin there; and Tony Blair met President Putin for an energy summit in 2003.

The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy’s meeting addressed the Ukraine war, European security, and—significantly—a UK-EU summit scheduled for May 19th, the first since Brexit.

The British government considers this a pivotal moment. Before Brexit, UK Prime Ministers attended Brussels summits multiple times yearly. Post-Brexit, these large summits ceased.

The Labour government, elected on a platform of improved EU relations, aims to re-establish regular interactions. Monday’s summit marks the beginning.

Sir Keir Starmer will host top EU leaders to launch a new partnership, described by the EU ambassador as “the culmination of enhanced contacts” since the 2024 UK election. But what will this entail?

Is it a “surrender summit” (Conservatives), a “great British sellout” (Reform UK), a missed opportunity (Liberal Democrats), or, as Sir Keir claims, “serious pragmatism” improving lives?

During 2020 Brexit negotiations, a Security and Defence Partnership was discussed but ultimately dropped. Now, this partnership is central to the planned agreement.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, present at Lancaster House talks, acknowledged past difficulties but emphasized the need for progress given global events.

However, some oppose this closer relationship. Conservative MP Alex Burghart argues NATO sufficiency, while Reform UK’s Richard Tice sees no value in a “bungling…military structure.”

The government counters that the partnership complements NATO, extending to economic security, infrastructure, energy, migration, and crime.

Industry experts see economic benefits. Kevin Craven of the ADS Group points to the EU’s SAFE program (€150bn in loans), potentially accessible to UK manufacturers via a security pact.

The Liberal Democrats also see opportunity, emphasizing the strategic advantage of continental defense collaboration. However, the UK has already cooperated with the EU on defense post-Ukraine invasion.

Jill Rutter, a former senior civil servant, argues that the impact on the UK’s European role is minimal, as defense relations have already improved significantly.

Yet proponents of the partnership believe it will establish new cooperation mechanisms.

More controversial is the proposed “veterinary” deal to reduce food and drink border checks. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds stated this aligns with the Labour manifesto.

The food industry supports this, with Julianne Ponan of Creative Nature highlighting the current post-Brexit paperwork burdens.

This deal would also simplify trade with Northern Ireland, currently hampered by post-Brexit checks. However, a veterinary deal necessitates alignment with EU rules, overseen by EU courts.

Critics, such as Conservative Andrew Griffith, deem it a “surrender summit,” leading to loss of regulatory control. Reform UK calls it a “Great British sellout.”

Richard Tice argues against aligning with a “failing economic model,” advocating for divergence. But Labour’s Thomas-Symonds dismisses these as outdated arguments.

Conversely, some believe Sir Keir’s approach is too cautious. Calum Miller (Liberal Democrats) points to businesses frustrated by trade limitations, advocating for a Customs Union.

David Henig, a former trade negotiator, describes the summit as a step forward, not a radical shift, focusing on incremental trade improvements.

Jill Rutter sees limited economic impact from a veterinary deal, but views it as a potential stepping stone for broader cooperation.

Post-Brexit fishing arrangements, expiring next year, are also at stake. David Davis criticizes the government’s concessions and suggests using fishing as leverage for concessions.

However, the UK’s reliance on EU markets complicates this, with coastal states prepared to negotiate strongly.

Finally, a youth mobility deal, allowing under-30s to live and work in each other’s countries, is under discussion, though likely with strict limitations.

Calum Miller questions the UK’s reluctance for such a scheme with its closest neighbors. Paula Surridge, a professor of political sociology, believes public opposition would be limited.

Lord Hayward expresses concern over potential public perception, warning of a “bear trap” if seen as free movement “EU membership 2.0.”

Even before the summit, opponents raise concerns. Andrew Griffith worries about Sir Keir’s perceived pro-EU bias, while Richard Tice threatens to undo any deals.

Thomas-Symonds insists the government won’t compromise on its red lines (Customs Union, Single Market, free movement), focusing on making Brexit work for the British people.

Back at Lancaster House, a painting of the Duke of Wellington inspecting troops serves as a reminder of past momentous decisions. While this summit may not be as historically significant, it presents a crucial juncture for UK-EU relations.

BBC InDepth offers in-depth analysis and reporting on major issues, featuring content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer.

Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter for Westminster insights.

The tax will affect billions of packages primarily from China.

It’s unclear if UK travellers can avoid airport queues this summer.

A youth visa scheme and UK financial contributions are under negotiation.

A food producer says the new deal will reduce export paperwork.

The deal addresses defence, trade, fishing, and a potential youth scheme.