Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government confirmed on Friday that exploratory talks are underway to identify areas where the UK and EU can align on defence procurement, cyber security, intelligence-sharing, and joint military operations. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding future U.S. security commitments in Europe.

Senior British officials said the discussions are not about reversing Brexit but about strengthening Europe’s collective security framework in response to an evolving global threat landscape. “The security challenges we face today — from cyber warfare to conventional threats on NATO’s eastern flank — require coordinated action,” a government spokesperson said.

EU diplomats have signaled openness to structured defence collaboration, especially as the bloc advances its own strategic autonomy initiatives. Analysts note that closer coordination could include UK participation in EU-led defence projects or joint procurement programs aimed at reducing duplication and increasing efficiency across European forces.

The timing of the talks is politically sensitive. With U.S. foreign policy under renewed debate in Washington, European leaders have been increasingly vocal about the need to ensure the continent can defend itself independently if necessary. Britain, a leading military power in Europe and a key NATO member, remains central to that calculation.

Defence experts argue that practical cooperation could yield benefits on both sides. “The UK retains advanced military capabilities, from naval assets to intelligence services,” said Malcolm Reeves, a London-based security analyst. “Bringing those into structured cooperation with EU initiatives could strengthen Europe’s overall defence posture.”

Opposition figures in Westminster have cautiously welcomed the move but warned against bureaucratic entanglements that could undermine British sovereignty. Meanwhile, business leaders in the defence industry have highlighted potential economic advantages, including expanded contracts and joint innovation projects.

The government is expected to outline a framework for the talks in the coming weeks, with a formal summit between UK and EU leaders anticipated later this year. While no binding agreements have been reached, officials describe the mood as constructive.

For many observers, the renewed engagement reflects a pragmatic shift in Britain’s foreign policy — one that balances national autonomy with strategic cooperation in a world marked by instability.

Addressing Parliament, he said Britain can “walk and chew gum at the same time” — cooperating economically while defending its values.

The remarks follow pointed criticism from Washington, adding complexity to the UK’s foreign policy calculus.

British officials confirmed that Chinese authorities will allow visa-free travel for UK citizens for short stays, while tariffs on selected British exports, including premium spirits and agricultural goods, will be reduced in stages over the next year.

Standing alongside senior Chinese officials, Starmer described the agreements as “practical steps that deliver real benefits for British workers, businesses, and families.”

The visit comes after years of strained relations driven by security disputes, sanctions, and disagreements over Hong Kong and technology access. Starmer said the talks did not ignore those differences but aimed to prevent them from paralysing cooperation.

Trade analysts said the tariff reductions could provide a modest boost to exporters at a time when the UK economy is struggling to regain momentum. Industry groups representing whisky producers, higher education institutions, and financial services firms welcomed the announcements.

Critics, however, warned that economic gains should not overshadow concerns about strategic dependency. Human rights campaigners urged the government to ensure continued pressure on Beijing over civil liberties and international law.

Downing Street said Starmer raised sensitive issues privately and secured assurances of continued dialogue. Officials declined to provide details, citing diplomatic protocol.

In Beijing, state media portrayed the visit as evidence of improving relations with Europe, while stressing mutual respect and non-interference.

The prime minister is expected to face detailed questioning in Parliament on the scope and safeguards of the agreements. For now, the government is presenting the visit as a calculated step toward economic stability in an uncertain world.

The comments were quickly rebuffed by British officials, who said the UK would not outsource its foreign policy decisions.

The exchange highlights growing transatlantic differences over how Western nations should approach Beijing.

Diplomats said the remarks could complicate coordination among allies already facing multiple global crises.

Ministers argue the delay is necessary to allow councils to reorganise governance structures as part of wider devolution reforms. However, opposition parties, local leaders, and civil society groups have questioned the timing and transparency of the decision.

Under the plan, elections in 29 local authorities will be deferred by up to a year, extending the terms of sitting councillors without a public vote. The government insists the move is lawful and temporary, stressing that new mayoral and combined authority models require administrative alignment.

“This is about ensuring stable governance during a period of structural change,” a government spokesperson said.

Critics have rejected that explanation, warning that postponing elections sets a troubling precedent. “Voters are being asked to accept decisions about their communities without having their say,” said a senior opposition figure in Parliament.

Local councils affected by the delay have expressed mixed reactions. Some leaders welcomed the breathing space to implement reforms, while others said the decision risks eroding public trust.

Election watchdogs have urged the government to provide clear timelines and safeguards to prevent future delays. “Any change to the electoral calendar must be justified, proportionate, and clearly communicated,” one official said.

The issue is expected to dominate parliamentary debates in the coming weeks, with calls for greater oversight and potential legal challenges.

Officials insist national security protections remain intact as discussions continue.

The package includes targeted tax relief, business rate reductions, and temporary support measures designed to help small and medium-sized operators remain viable amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

Hospitality leaders have warned for months that rising energy prices, wage costs, and reduced consumer spending were pushing many venues to the brink. Government officials say the measures are intended to stabilise the sector while longer-term reforms are considered.

“This is about protecting local jobs and community spaces,” a Treasury spokesperson said. “Pubs are more than businesses — they are part of the social fabric.”

The measures will be rolled out nationally, with particular emphasis on independently owned venues in town centres and rural communities. Industry groups estimate the package could benefit tens of thousands of businesses.

Publicans welcomed the announcement but cautioned that support must be sustained. Many operators say they remain vulnerable to further shocks, including supply disruptions and fluctuating consumer confidence.

Trade unions have also called for safeguards to ensure that financial relief translates into job security for workers, many of whom face unpredictable hours and rising living costs.

Economists note that hospitality remains one of the UK’s most employment-intensive sectors, making its stability critical to broader economic recovery. However, they also warn that temporary support cannot replace structural reform.

The government said it would monitor the package’s impact closely and adjust measures if necessary.

Peers observed moments of remembrance before returning to debates on pensions, crime, and devolution.

Leaders emphasised the importance of confronting hatred and preserving historical memory.

The deployment includes members of the UK’s International Search and Rescue team, trained to operate in disaster zones and complex flood conditions. The team is equipped with boats, cutting equipment, and medical supplies.

Officials said the deployment followed a formal request for international assistance as floodwaters overwhelmed communities across several regions.

The UK team will work alongside local emergency services and international partners to locate survivors, support evacuations, and assess structural damage.

Flooding has become increasingly frequent and severe in parts of southern Africa, a trend experts link to changing climate patterns. Entire villages have been cut off, with roads and bridges washed away.

A senior rescue officer said the mission would focus on saving lives and providing technical support where local resources are stretched.

At home, the deployment has drawn praise from across the political spectrum, highlighting the UK’s role in international humanitarian response.

Humanitarian groups say the situation remains critical, with access to clean water and shelter among the most urgent needs.

The UK government has also pledged additional financial support for relief efforts, including funding for emergency food and medical aid.

As operations continue, officials stress that international cooperation remains essential in responding to large-scale natural disasters.

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping the global labour market, with the UK facing both opportunities and challenges.

Experts say automation could boost productivity but warn of disruption in certain sectors.

The government has pledged investment in retraining and skills development.