The UK and EU are deeply intertwined through trade, shared history, and aligned geopolitical interests, making close cooperation beneficial and essential. Recent global challenges have shown that no nation can address issues like climate change, security threats, or public health alone. Even outside the EU, the UK’s interests are closely linked to the stability and success of our continent.
From defence to youth opportunities and trade, there is undeniable mutual benefit in breaking down barriers and working together. In this spirit—and to fill the diminished space for parliamentary discussion on European matters—Lord Kirkhope and Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP established the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Europe.
We welcome the new Government’s approach and its desire to reset the UK-EU partnership. The APPG intends to work constructively with the Government to help secure the best possible agreements.
The APPG will be a space where parliamentarians from across the political spectrum can develop recommendations for a UK-EU relationship that better serves our interests. This forum prioritises common interests over past divides, grounded in mutual benefit for both the UK and Europe. In doing so, we hope to lay the groundwork for a relationship that is practical, positive, and productive—one that keeps the UK secure, prosperous, and closely connected to our neighbours across the Channel.
Throughout the year, the APPG will host discussions on key themes. At each session expert witnesses, policymakers, civil society groups, industry representatives, and others will share insights and recommendations, enabling parliamentarians to understand pressing issues and work across party lines to pursue the UK’s best interests. The APPG will produce a concise report summarising key points and actionable recommendations that reflect the priorities of those most affected.
A central aim of the APPG is to foster cooperation in areas where we share mutual interests. For example, in security and defence, the threats facing the UK do not stop at our borders. Terrorism, cyber-attacks, and geopolitical instability are challenges best addressed in partnership with European allies. At a time when Europe’s security landscape is increasingly unpredictable, it is concerning that the UK has a weaker defence relationship with the EU compared to other NATO partners, such as the United States, Canada, and Norway.
Trade is another crucial area. Europe remains one of the UK’s largest trading partners, yet businesses continue to face barriers and bureaucratic hurdles. We will support the Government in fulfilling its manifesto pledge to negotiate a “veterinary agreement to prevent unnecessary border checks,” which we know is one of the single biggest issues affecting many British exporters.
A key priority for parliamentarians is to strengthen links between UK parliamentarians and their European counterparts. With the curtailment of formal channels, there is a risk of misunderstanding and missed opportunities for cooperation. The APPG will promote greater dialogue and mutual respect by actively engaging with European diplomats in London and parliamentarians in Brussels and other European capitals.
Significant milestones are on the horizon for this Parliament. The first joint review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) offers a chance to assess our trade arrangements. Additionally, the EU’s data adequacy decisions, which allow the free flow of data and support law enforcement collaboration, will soon require renewal. This renewal is critical for seamless data exchange and cooperative law enforcement efforts. Negotiations will also address future energy cooperation and fishing rights. These milestones underscore the importance of continued UK-EU engagement and highlight the need for informed dialogue as we navigate these pivotal developments.
We are at a critical juncture. The UK must decide how it wishes to engage with its closest neighbours. The APPG on Europe welcomes colleagues from across the political spectrum who share our vision to join this endeavour, and we invite all who are interested to follow our work and engage with our findings. The opportunities are too great—and the stakes too high—to miss the chance to rebuild a stronger, more effective UK-EU partnership.