The Labour Government and Security Cooperation with the European Union

A new report reflects discussions during a closed roundtable co-convened by the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations, the UCL European Institute, and the University of Surrey in the aftermath of Labour's election victory.

The Labour Government and Security Cooperation with the European Union

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 upended the security landscape on the continent and brought about unprecedented solidarity among European countries. It also occurred at a low-point in UK-EU relations following the Brexit negotiations and the Johnson government’s decision not to negotiate a security agreement in February 2020.

The invasion placed a high value on solidarity and cooperation between both sides and brought about significant informal cooperation on security matters in the months thereafter, and this has developed as the political relationship has improved. Yet political impediments within the Conservative Party prevented any formal agreement. The election of a Labour government in July 2024 acted as a game changer, given the party’s commitment whilst in opposition to a security agreement.

Drawing on insights from a workshop on the topic held on 11 July 2024 and co-convened by the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations, the UCL European Institute, and the University of Surrey, this report looks at the fall and rise of security cooperation with the EU and sets out what an agreement might look like.

Read the full report here (pdf)

About the Independent Commission: The Independent Commission is a politically neutral, timebound commission which examines the impact of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) on the UK. As well as looking at impacts on different sectors of the economy we look more broadly at impacts on sectors including security and defence, health, education and human rights. Members of the Commission are leaders in business, journalism, civil society and academia.

The intended outcome of the Commission is to recommend changes to the TCA and Protocol which if implemented would improve outcomes for UK sectors and the people who live and work in the UK.

Read the full report here (pdf)