UK begins talks to rejoin EU security missions

The UK is in talks over rejoining EU security missions, in a move that would further widen Labour's "reset" in relations with Europe.

The agreement under negotiation could see British officials and experts take part in civilian crisis management operations for the first time since Brexit.

EU is currently conducting 13 crisis management missions from a permanent HQ based in Brussels, as part of its common foreign and security policy.

They span efforts to train Somalian coastguards in tackling piracy, advise border police in Mali, and help Ukrainian prosecutors investigate war crime allegations.

Cybersecurity support to help countries protect themselves from hacking has been a priority area in recent years, with dedicated operations in Moldova and Armenia.

It is understood formal talks began in recent weeks, after EU ambassadors signed off their negotiating instructions for the EU diplomatic service in late July.

The two sides are already in talks for deals on food standards, electricity trading and a youth visa deal ahead of a delayed summit expected later this year.

The proposed "framework" deal with the UK would set the broad terms of future British participation. Individual operational agreements would be required for the UK to then join specific missions in future.

The deal was requested by the Starmer government in the wake of talks that began last year on how the two sides could best work together in "geographical areas of common interest".

The deal under discussion would not cover EU military crisis management missions, where officials have separately discussed options for co-operation.