Recommendation 54

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