The UK foreign secretary says the security pact could cover areas such as energy, the climate crisis, pandemics and even illegal migration.The UK foreign secretary says the security pact could cover areas such as energy, the climate crisis, pandemics and even illegal migration.
It is rare for non-EU states to attend the foreign affairs council, and Labour thinks it may be possible to go on an irregular basis if the planned security pact develops.
Asked whether the security cooperation could extend to issues such as cybersecurity, illegal migration, pandemics, decarbonisation and access to critical minerals, Lammy said: “Yes, it could.”Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it mattersHe added: “Particularly on critical minerals, we do need to cooperate with our European partners.
He said: “I’m serious about a reset. I sensed in Poland and Germany they were delighted to have a new government. We are absolutely clear that we want to look to the future. I think there’s a lot of issues that we have to coordinate on, but it is all a matter of negotiation and discussion. But I’ve set the direction of travel.”
Lammy was reluctant to commit on whether he would revive plans for a EU-wide youth mobility scheme. Both the previous government and Labour had rejected EU plans to make it easier for 18- to 30-years-olds in the bloc and the UK to study and work abroad. Under the scheme, UK participants would be able to stay only in the first EU country that accepted them.