UK strikes major deal with EU in new trade and defence pact

Britain struck a major deal with the European Union on Monday, May 19, resetting defence and trade ties for the first time since Brexit. The agreement, hailed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a "win‑win", grants the UK unprecedented access to the EU market while maintaining its stance on not rejoining the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement. Central to the pact is a new defence and security framework that allows Britain to participate in joint procurement and a $167‑billion programme to rearm Europe. The deal also eases red tape for food and agricultural producers, aims to improve energy security, and is projected to add about $12 billion to the UK economy by 2040. Additional provisions include a contentious fishing agreement, a limited youth mobility scheme, and faster access for British visitors via EU airport e‑gates. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the collaboration, while the agreement faced criticism from Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage and the opposition Conservative Party.