Recommendations & Conclusions
18 items
5
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
The Government’s deal with the EU to extend access to British waters for EU fishing vessels by 12 years came as a~ surprise for many in the industry. Irrespective of the merits of the agreement, the Government should have consulted and managed expectations accordingly with the affected sectors ahead of …
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The Government’s deal with the EU to extend access to British waters for EU fishing vessels by 12 years came as a~ surprise for many in the industry. Irrespective of the merits of the agreement, the Government should have consulted and managed expectations accordingly with the affected sectors ahead of the summit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 32)
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Government response AI summary
The government defends the fisheries agreement by saying it provides stability to the fishing industry and secures reciprocal access to EU waters, highlighting existing mechanisms for parliamentary scrutiny and funding for coastal communities.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
6
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
While the fisheries deal represents an extension of the status quo, the Government also had the option of using the end of the adjustment period to reduce access to its waters for EU vessels from 2026, or to offer an extension of existing levels of access for a lesser period …
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While the fisheries deal represents an extension of the status quo, the Government also had the option of using the end of the adjustment period to reduce access to its waters for EU vessels from 2026, or to offer an extension of existing levels of access for a lesser period than 12 years. The Government should provide regular updates to Parliament on the operation of the 12- year deal as overseen by the UK-EU Specialised Committee on Fisheries. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33)
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Government response AI summary
The government defends the fisheries agreement by saying it provides stability to the fishing industry and secures reciprocal access to EU waters, highlighting existing mechanisms for parliamentary scrutiny and funding for coastal communities.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
10
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We welcome the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership. It is a useful tool for structured dialogue and cooperation in a key area of mutual interest, without constraining the UK’s ability to conduct its foreign, defence and security policies as it sees fit. We urge the UK, EU and EU Member …
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We welcome the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership. It is a useful tool for structured dialogue and cooperation in a key area of mutual interest, without constraining the UK’s ability to conduct its foreign, defence and security policies as it sees fit. We urge the UK, EU and EU Member States to go further and faster in strengthening defence cooperation and coordination in coalition structures like the Joint Expeditionary Force and Coalition of the Willing. Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine and US equivocation on NATO have made this more important than ever. (Conclusion, Paragraph 47)
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Government response AI summary
The Government reaffirms its commitment to coordinate with the EU and its Member States to provide aid and assistance to Ukraine, including in Ukraine obtaining compensation from Russia. They state they are already leveraging immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine and will continue to work …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
12
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We urge the Government to continue discussions with the EU and its Member States with respect to the coordinated use of immobilised Russian Sovereign assets to provide financial support to Kyiv, to ensure that Russia pays for the damage it has caused. (Recommendation, Paragraph 49)
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We urge the Government to continue discussions with the EU and its Member States with respect to the coordinated use of immobilised Russian Sovereign assets to provide financial support to Kyiv, to ensure that Russia pays for the damage it has caused. (Recommendation, Paragraph 49)
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Government response AI summary
The Government reaffirms its commitment to coordinate with the EU and its Member States to provide aid and assistance to Ukraine, including in Ukraine obtaining compensation from Russia. They state they are already leveraging immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine and will continue to work …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
17
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We also recommend the Government continues to monitor other EU defence initiatives closely, including the security component of its proposed new Competitiveness Fund, and report back to Parliament in due course on whether it believes it worth exploring options to secure closer UK involvement in those EU initiatives in addition …
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We also recommend the Government continues to monitor other EU defence initiatives closely, including the security component of its proposed new Competitiveness Fund, and report back to Parliament in due course on whether it believes it worth exploring options to secure closer UK involvement in those EU initiatives in addition to Security Action for Europe. (Recommendation, Paragraph 58)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the Committee’s interest in SAFE, but states that it was not able to conclude negotiations with an agreement. The UK will continue to monitor EU defense initiatives closely, engage bilaterally, and update Parliament on any significant developments.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
25
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We support the Government’s intention to act on the commitment made by its predecessor within the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to “seriously consider” linking the UK and EU emissions trading systems. An agreement to that effect would be of benefit to both sides’ climate ambitions. An agreement on Emissions Trading …
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We support the Government’s intention to act on the commitment made by its predecessor within the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to “seriously consider” linking the UK and EU emissions trading systems. An agreement to that effect would be of benefit to both sides’ climate ambitions. An agreement on Emissions Trading Systems linkage would also allow for mutual exemption from carbon border taxes that might otherwise hinder 90 UK-EU trade when they are fully in effect. However, we are concerned by the lack of communication about the timing and detail of any temporary arrangement to exempt UK exports from EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in the meantime. (Conclusion, Paragraph 80)
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Government response AI summary
The government has agreed to rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027, started technical negotiations on a food and drink agreement, and on linking Emissions Trading Schemes.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
26
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We ask the Government to provide clarity at the earliest opportunity about the state of play of its engagement, if any, with the EU to agree an interim arrangement for British exports under the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, while negotiations on a formal agreement to achieve linkage between the …
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We ask the Government to provide clarity at the earliest opportunity about the state of play of its engagement, if any, with the EU to agree an interim arrangement for British exports under the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, while negotiations on a formal agreement to achieve linkage between the UK and EU Emissions Trading Systems are on-going. (Recommendation, Paragraph 81)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that it has delivered on its manifesto commitments to reset relations with European partners, that closer alignment can benefit UK businesses, and that they are already aligning with the Single Market in some areas. They also engage with stakeholders through various forums.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
31
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
There is a range of views on the Committee regarding a Youth Experience Scheme. Whilst there is an understanding that such a scheme would be a way of providing young people on both sides with new opportunities to travel and work, and strengthen cultural and personal ties between the UK …
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There is a range of views on the Committee regarding a Youth Experience Scheme. Whilst there is an understanding that such a scheme would be a way of providing young people on both sides with new opportunities to travel and work, and strengthen cultural and personal ties between the UK and its European partners, the Committee agrees that it must be distinct from free movement of people, be visa-based and only permit stays of 91 limited duration. It should also be subject to adequate safeguards, including limits on overall numbers. We are clear that this must not be a return to free movement and any potential costs must be clearly set out and subject to a final vote in Parliament. We heard from witnesses to our inquiry that establishing such a scheme enjoys widespread support across the country and in the EU. (Conclusion, Paragraph 92)
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights a deal with the EU to rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027 and ongoing negotiations on food and drink, Emissions Trading Schemes, and the single electricity market.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
32
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
Most Members of the Committee welcome the agreement on the UK’s re-entry into the Erasmus+ programme, and hope the necessary legal amendments under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement can be made swiftly so that the necessary practical steps can be implemented without delay. (Conclusion, Paragraph 95)
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Most Members of the Committee welcome the agreement on the UK’s re-entry into the Erasmus+ programme, and hope the necessary legal amendments under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement can be made swiftly so that the necessary practical steps can be implemented without delay. (Conclusion, Paragraph 95)
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Government response AI summary
The government has agreed to rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027, fulfilling a key commitment made at the UK-EU Summit.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
37
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We ask the Government to outline the specific objectives it has put forward in talks with the EU to address the different types of barriers touring performers encounter since Brexit, and what it sees as the remaining barriers to progress ahead of the next UK-EU summit. (Recommendation, Paragraph 103) 92
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We ask the Government to outline the specific objectives it has put forward in talks with the EU to address the different types of barriers touring performers encounter since Brexit, and what it sees as the remaining barriers to progress ahead of the next UK-EU summit. (Recommendation, Paragraph 103) 92
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines its specific objectives for touring performers, stating it is actively working with the EU, including through the new Youth Experience Scheme, to facilitate short-term, multi-country tours without costly visas or complex administrative requirements.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
43
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
Following the deal on Erasmus+ having been finalised, and with Ministers having already expressed their ambition for the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement to enter into force in 2027, we also ask the Government to outline when, following the conclusion of negotiations, it hopes to bring new formal agreements …
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Following the deal on Erasmus+ having been finalised, and with Ministers having already expressed their ambition for the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement to enter into force in 2027, we also ask the Government to outline when, following the conclusion of negotiations, it hopes to bring new formal agreements with the EU on carbon trading, electricity trading and the Youth Experience Scheme into force. We also ask it to indicate when we can expect to see concrete improvements in relation to performing artists, business mobility, mutual recognition of qualifications, and cooperation on irregular migration and border control. (Recommendation, Paragraph 114)
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights a deal with the EU to rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027 and ongoing negotiations on food and drink, Emissions Trading Schemes, and the single electricity market.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
46
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We are concerned about the evidence we have seen of potential shortcomings in the internal cross-Departmental coordination of the UK negotiating position with the EU, in particular between the Cabinet Office and Departments that hold responsibility for specific policy areas affected by the negotiations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 123)
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We are concerned about the evidence we have seen of potential shortcomings in the internal cross-Departmental coordination of the UK negotiating position with the EU, in particular between the Cabinet Office and Departments that hold responsibility for specific policy areas affected by the negotiations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 123)
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is committed to a collaborative approach to EU negotiations, with the Cabinet Office coordinating closely with other departments through a robust internal governance structure and regular meetings to ensure full consideration of government priorities and expertise.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
47
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We recommend that the Cabinet Office takes steps to strengthen inter-departmental flows of information on EU negotiations with other Departments, to ensure sectoral expertise is efficiently incorporated into the UK negotiating position; that Departments are able to communicate on the state of negotiations in their policy areas to the relevant …
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We recommend that the Cabinet Office takes steps to strengthen inter-departmental flows of information on EU negotiations with other Departments, to ensure sectoral expertise is efficiently incorporated into the UK negotiating position; that Departments are able to communicate on the state of negotiations in their policy areas to the relevant Select Committees and other interested parties; and so that they can prepare fully for the requirements that implementation of the envisaged agreements with the EU will place on them and their stakeholders. Once agreed it should be set out clearly how they plan to work together across departments and reviewed regularly to ensure that genuine cross-department collaboration and input occurs. (Recommendation, Paragraph 124)
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Government response AI summary
The government states it already has a collaborative approach with a robust internal governance structure, regular inter-departmental meetings, and mechanisms for efficient information flow and stakeholder engagement. It affirms that these existing practices ensure sectoral expertise is incorporated and commits to continuing regular updates to …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
54
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We ask the Government to provide further information on the implementation of the commitment in the Joint Statement to hold high- level meetings with the EU on “joint strategic interests” in key areas such as trade and migration. We urge the UK and EU to begin convening such meetings regularly …
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We ask the Government to provide further information on the implementation of the commitment in the Joint Statement to hold high- level meetings with the EU on “joint strategic interests” in key areas such as trade and migration. We urge the UK and EU to begin convening such meetings regularly without delay, whenever possible at Ministerial level. They should be used as a forum to identify opportunities for joint action on strategic priorities, not only as a reactive mechanism for moments of crisis. In pursuing its interests since the “reset” was initiated, the EU has been a tough negotiator. The UK must be prepared to respond in kind, drawing on its strengths to identify and pursue its strategic political and economic interests with a clearer sense of purpose. (Recommendation, Paragraph 150) 96
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Government response AI summary
The Government states that it has already delivered on its commitment to high level meetings, citing regular engagement between the Foreign Secretary, Defence Secretary, Minister Doughty, and EU representatives.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
58
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
With both the Chancellor and the Prime Minister now referring consistently to the economic “damage” resulting from the nature of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), we ask the Government to set out its views on which elements of the existing TCA are the source of such “damage”; confirm, …
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With both the Chancellor and the Prime Minister now referring consistently to the economic “damage” resulting from the nature of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), we ask the Government to set out its views on which elements of the existing TCA are the source of such “damage”; confirm, as Ministerial statements suggest, that it is of the view that the current set of negotiating priorities with the EU are not sufficient to address them; and, if this is so, set out what further proposals it intends to make to improve trade relations with the EU and commit to time given in Parliament for scrutiny of these issues. (Recommendation, Paragraph 162) 97
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Government response AI summary
The government states that it has delivered on its manifesto commitments to reset relations with European partners, that closer alignment can benefit UK businesses, and that they are already aligning with the Single Market in some areas. They also engage with stakeholders through various forums.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
64
Conclusion
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
There has been considerable uncertainty about the scope and function of the review of the implementation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) which is required to take place this year. Although the 98 political summit process initiated in May 2025 has, in the Minister’s words, “overtaken” the review, …
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There has been considerable uncertainty about the scope and function of the review of the implementation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) which is required to take place this year. Although the 98 political summit process initiated in May 2025 has, in the Minister’s words, “overtaken” the review, we believe the latter can still play a valuable role as a technical process to help the UK and EU identify how the Agreement is being implemented in practice and where there is untapped potential within its existing provisions to improve trade and cooperation. In that way, the TCA review and the annual summits of the Strategic Partnership are complementary to one another. (Conclusion, Paragraph 183)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the review of the implementation of the TCA has been substantially delivered through commitments made at the 2025 UK-EU Summit and that the TCA is broadly functioning as expected. They also note that they remain committed to engaging with key stakeholders …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
65
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
It is disappointing that the recent meeting of the Partnership Council did not provide more clarity about the process or intended outcome of the Review. We ask the Government to clarify the outcome of the “evaluation of implementation” of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) that it has apparently undertaken; …
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It is disappointing that the recent meeting of the Partnership Council did not provide more clarity about the process or intended outcome of the Review. We ask the Government to clarify the outcome of the “evaluation of implementation” of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) that it has apparently undertaken; whether it was conducted unilaterally or jointly with the EU, and what stakeholder feedback was sought as part of it; to what extent the evaluation comprehensively mapped the implementation of the Agreement, particularly to identify underused or unimplemented provisions; and, in detail, what the outcome of the evaluation was. We also ask it to make clear whether the UK and EU now consider the Review mandated by Article 776 of the TCA to be completed, or, if not, what further work is planned and on what timescale. (Recommendation, Paragraph 184)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the provisions for the review of the implementation of the TCA under Article 776 had been substantially delivered through the commitments made at the 2025 UK-EU Summit and the Common Understanding, and that compliance with TCA provisions continues to be scrutinised …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
70
Recommendation
3rd Report – From a Common Understandin…
Accepted
We recommend the Government and the EU should publicly announce the date for the next UK-EU summit as soon as possible, to create momentum in the on-going negotiations and concentrate minds on finding common ground on other outstanding issues to help the Strategic Partnership deliver on its full potential. (Recommendation, …
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We recommend the Government and the EU should publicly announce the date for the next UK-EU summit as soon as possible, to create momentum in the on-going negotiations and concentrate minds on finding common ground on other outstanding issues to help the Strategic Partnership deliver on its full potential. (Recommendation, Paragraph 199) Parliamentary scrutiny of EU matters
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Government response AI summary
The government committed to holding annual summits with the EU and expects the next summit to take place in the first half of this year, while noting the date will be confirmed in due course.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office