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UK Relations with EU

Asked by Phil BrickellLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 21 April 2026UIN 908766

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress her Department has made with Cabinet colleagues on resetting the UK's relationship with the European Union.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

Our long‑term national interest requires a closer EU partnership, anchored in the Common Understanding and strengthened by new security and defence cooperation.

Our Security and Defence Partnership has delivered a step change in engagement, supporting Ukraine through coordinated sanctions, military assistance, training, and resilience.

While providing a long‑term framework for practical cooperation that protects our citizens and strengthens Europe’s collective defence.

This sits alongside wider progress, including Erasmus+ and negotiations on energy, youth experience, and food and drink.

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