UK offers security partnership with EU post-Brexit

The UK government has offered to contribute military assets to EU operations, cooperation on sanctions and agree joint positions on foreign policy as part of a security partnership with the EU after Brexit. The latest future partnership pepper reveals the government’s willingness to partner with the EU in the face of every-increasing global threats. It makes clear the UK will seek to use its assets, capabilities and influence to combat the shared challenges facing the continent, including illegal migration, terrorism and cyber and state-based threats. It also lays out how Britain will want to build a new partnership with the EU that goes beyond existing third country arrangements, and reflects its shared interests and values of upholding democracy and protecting peace across Europe and the world. The paper highlights the UK’s military cooperation with the EU on tackling piracy off the Horn of Africa, to joint defence projects with the EU. David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, said: “After we leave the European Union we will continue to face shared threats to our security, our shared values and our way of life. It’s in our mutual interest to work closely with the EU and its member states to challenge terrorism and extremism, illegal migration, cyber-crime, and conventional state-based military aggression. “Today’s paper highlights Britain’s world class diplomacy and defence capabilities, our leading contribution to international development, and our desire to continue to use these as part of a deep and special partnership with the EU.” Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary, said: “As we leave the EU, the UK’s commitment to European security is undiminished. We will pursue a global foreign policy, and continue to work in partnership with our neighbours to promote peace, democracy and security in our continent and across the world. “In recent years, the European Union has helped achieve crucial foreign policy goals – from bringing Iran to the negotiating table, to uniting in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. We want this EU role to continue after we leave. “This is why, in addition to stronger relations with EU member states, we also envisage a strong UK-EU partnership on foreign and defence policy following our departure. This will allow us to continue our work in tackling the shared challenges we face worldwide.” Michael Fallon, Defence Secretary, said: “At a time of increased threats and international instability the UK remains unwavering in its commitment to uphold European security. With the largest defence budget in Europe, the largest Navy British troops and planes deployed across land, air and sea in Europe, our role in the continent’s defence has never been more vital. “As we leave the EU, the UK and our European allies will ensure a close partnership that meets these shared challenges head-on.”