Defending Europe: British Prime Minister ready to talk to EU leaders

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is ready to talk to all 27 EU leaders on European defence. However, a potential security deal is likely to be complicated by the need to resolve the ongoing dispute between the EU and the UK over fishing rights. Sir Keir Starmer faces potential obstacles to a defence and security agreement with the EU over fishing rights issues. The British Prime Minister will travel to Brussels for a high-profile dinner with the 27 EU heads of state and government and discuss EU and UK defence, a topic of serious concern following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The invitation comes ahead of an EU-UK summit by European Council President Antonio Costa. Prime Minister Starmer said on Sunday that rejoining the single market, customs union and free movement was a red line, but an agreement on security cooperation and streamlined customs arrangements would be a priority for the UK.