The Joint Defence and Security Partnership agreed between the European Union and the United Kingdom at today’s bilateral summit in London "demonstrates what’s possible when we look beyond the past and embrace a future focused on close cooperation and delivery", Francesco Torselli MEP said today.

Mr Torselli, the ECR Group’s lead on the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, welcomed the accord as a sign of cross-Channel determination to confront the growing list of common challenges but also opportunities.

Mr Torselli said:

“We haven’t changed our position regretting the UK’s departure from the EU, but we understand the political constraints that successive governments in London have faced.

“We’ve always insisted that there’s plenty of space to expand and intensify cooperation if the political will is there.

“The bilateral relationship clearly needs a solid structure that takes us beyond ad hoc measures, and that’s what this accord provides.

“The UK’s military, its intelligence services and its global reach are vital assets to strengthen our common European security in the light of the threats we face, especially because of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”

Mr Torselli further commented on decisions taken to “beef up the substance of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement” (TCA).

“The ECR welcomes steps to elaborate the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Through a renewed spirit of constructive engagement, I am confident we can better deliver together for our citizens in various policy areas.

“Notably, the fight against illegal migration is one of many areas where cooperation is not only beneficial but essential - just as much for the UK as for the EU.

“A new youth mobility scheme combined with efforts to encourage the UK to re-join Erasmus+ will help to address some of the opportunities that Brexit curtailed, and we are fully supportive.”