54 Accepted

We ask the Government to provide further information on the implementation of the commitment in...

Recommendation
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
Government Response 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.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
As set out in the Government’s response to recommendation 19, the Government has already delivered on its commitment to high level meetings. The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary regularly engage with the EU High Representative on issues of mutual interest. Minister Doughty has also held strategic consultations on Russia / Ukraine and Hybrid Threats with the EU. Further, the Chancellor hosted Commissioner Sefcovic and Dombrovskis, alongside the Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Thomas-Symonds and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle on 2 February for a high-level exchange, where Ministers focused on UK-EU cooperation in relation to global economic and trade challenges.