Sir Keir Starmer is heading to Brussels to join a gathering of European Union leaders – the first time a British prime minister has done so since Brexit. Starmer is heading over the English Channel for talks focused on defence and security co-operation and will also meet Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte.

French President Macron is expected to tell Sir Keir Starmer that Brexit has failed as he appears at a key EU summit.

Keir Starmer will travel to Brussels for dinner with European leaders and defence and security co-operation talks with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte

EU member states could demand assurances on fishing rights before opening the door to closer security and economic ties with the UK, according to diplomatic sources. View on euronews

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to his country estate as he repeated his aim to improve relations with the European Union.

EU officials and diplomats believe improvements to the cross-channel relationship are possible, and still happening — but slowly.

At a meeting with EU heads of state in Brussels on Monday, the prime minister will challenge Britain’s European allies to ramp up their defence spending to keep the continent safe from Vladimir Putin’

Strengthening Britain's relations with Germany was the focus of a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday. Scholz met with Starmer at the Chequers country estate outside of London.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to his country estate as he repeats his aim to improve relations with European Union