Starmer and Nato chief discuss defence spending and UK-EU relations at joint briefing – live updates

Why is Starmer’s trip so significant?published at 15:53 Greenwich Mean Time

15:53 GMT

Chris Mason
Political editor

Sir Keir Starmer is in Brussels to join a gathering of European Union leaders – the first time a British prime minister has done so since Brexit.

Starmer is attending talks focused on defence and security co-operation and meeting Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.

The trip is part of what he calls a “reset” between the UK and the European Union.

The government has promised the UK will not re-join the EU’s single market or customs union, or sign up to freedom of movement.

But ministers do want what they see as a better relationship on defence and security, crime and trade.

They hope to sort this out by the spring and finalise it at a UK-EU summit, possibly in April or May.

Leaders of the European Union’s 27 member states are gathering for what is described as an “informal retreat” at the Palais d’Egmont in Brussels – a 16th century palace in heart of the Belgian capital.