By Martin Banks

The Greens have greeted the “start of a journey” it hopes the UK and EU will embark on after they announced a series of agreements which aim to forge closer ties.

The Greens/EFA Group said they have long been calling for this between the UK and the EU following the Brexit voted in 2016.

The new measures, including closer cooperation on security issues, were outlined after the first EU-UK Summit in London this week.

Ville Niinisto, a Greens/EFA member of the AFET Committee, commented, “The announcement is welcome but we need to see the full details of the various agreements as they are finalised. These deals must be about making people’s lives better and our world safer.

“The EU and the UK are natural allies in defence and security and we welcome that today’s summit also saw the adoption of the security and defence partnership. Our common security is linked by both geography and values.

“The key focus on Ukraine in the agreement is essential to our collective support for the people of Ukraine.”  

Further reaction to the summit on Monday came from another MEP, Vicent Marzà, Greens/EFA member of the INTA Committee.

The deputy said, “The announcement must mark the start of a journey towards much stronger ties between the UK and EU.

“The post Brexit status quo hasn’t worked for everyone, with economic downturn, queues at the borders, and difficulties for people’s lives on both sides of the border.  

“This must be the start of a pragmatic partnership that will strengthen trade cooperation, make things easier for students, workers and businesses on both sides and move forward on our shared goals of fighting climate change, supporting the rule of law and defending democracy.

“We also look forward to enhanced cultural and scientific cooperation by welcoming the UK and its constituent nations to take part in EU programmes.

“The decision to work towards linking the UK and EU emissions trading systems is a positive step towards greater cooperation on climate policies.”