3rd Report – From a Common Understanding to Common Ground: Building a UK-EU Strategic Partnership fit for the future

Select Committee

Foreign Affairs Committee HC 857 4 March 2026

Report Status Government responded

Conclusions & Recommendations 85 items (33 recs)

Source View on Parliament website

Government Response (AI assessment · 67 of 85 classified)

Accepted 15

Accepted in Part 1

Acknowledged 41

Deferred 3

Not Addressed 6

Rejected 1

Recommendations

15 results

9 Acknowledged

We ask the Government to confirm if the European Commission’s commitment to ‘duly reflect’ historic...

Recommendation

We ask the Government to confirm if the European Commission’s commitment to ‘duly reflect’ historic UK export volumes of Category 17 steel in its new steel tariff regime means that historic UK volumes of such exports will still be able … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government states that it is committed to finding a bilateral solution with the EU on steel measures that protects vital UK-EU steel trade and both industries, following the EU's announcement of future steel trade measures in October 2025.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

16 Acknowledged

The EU’s regrettable approach to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) negotiations does not negate...

Recommendation

The EU’s regrettable approach to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) negotiations does not negate the need for improved UK-EU cooperation on defence industrial matters as a matter of strategic urgency. We therefore recommend the Government continue to seek a … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges the need for cooperation on defence but states it was unable to conclude negotiations with the EU and remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the EU and will continue to engage bilaterally with the EU Commission and EU Member States.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

22 Acknowledged

In particular, we ask the Government to provide further clarity regarding the specific exemptions it...

Recommendation

In particular, we ask the Government to provide further clarity regarding the specific exemptions it will demand with respect to animal welfare, genomic techniques and pesticides at the earliest opportunity, recognising the significant benefits of UK regulatory autonomy in these … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges the importance of alignment with the EU, citing manifesto commitments and potential economic benefits, and states it will take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach while engaging with industry.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

30 Acknowledged

Beyond the Court of Justice of the European Union’s (CJEU) limited role in dispute resolution...

Recommendation

Beyond the Court of Justice of the European Union’s (CJEU) limited role in dispute resolution where there is a referral of a specific question relating to EU law to that Court, we ask the Government to clarify if these Agreements … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government recognises the important role for Parliament and states that Parliament will have a say in areas of dynamic alignment with EU laws and be able to respond to treaties and the related Bill. However, they state that they cannot give a running commentary on negotiations regarding UK decision-shaping powers.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

42 Acknowledged

We recommend that the Government adopt a more coherent, cross- Departmental approach to communicating progress...

Recommendation

We recommend that the Government adopt a more coherent, cross- Departmental approach to communicating progress made in the negotiations with the EU on the various agreements foreseen by the Common Understanding, and in particular refrain from referring to any 93 … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government commits to being open and transparent in its engagement with Parliament regarding implementation of the Summit outcomes and further negotiations, citing examples of past engagement.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

45 Acknowledged

Given the claimed economic impact of the sectoral agreements envisaged in the Common Understanding is...

Recommendation

Given the claimed economic impact of the sectoral agreements envisaged in the Common Understanding is larger than that of most Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), we recommend that the Government mirror the Department for Business and Trade’s commitments on transparency of … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government states that it takes its commitment to scrutiny very seriously and is committed to being open and transparent in its engagement with Parliament, including through formal evidence sessions, correspondence and private briefings.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

60 Acknowledged

We recommend in particular that the Government provide further details at the earliest opportunity, and...

Recommendation

We recommend in particular that the Government provide further details at the earliest opportunity, and in any event in its response to this Report, about its proposals for sectoral alignment with the EU Single Market in additional areas as suggested … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government states that there are areas where closer alignment with the EU can benefit UK businesses, drive growth, create jobs and lower prices, and it will continue to take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach, recognizing the importance of engaging industry as part of the UK-EU negotiations process.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

63 Acknowledged

We ask the Government to set out, in its reply to this Report, what options...

Recommendation

We ask the Government to set out, in its reply to this Report, what options it has raised, or intends to raise, with the European Union to further reduce barriers to trade and investment in the following areas: • Regulatory … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government says it will continue to strengthen its relationship with the EU in order to improve our economic and strategic relationship, but they did not consent to the UK's application to accede to the Lugano Convention. Cooperation with the EU in this area now takes place primarily through multilateral frameworks, in particular the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

67 Acknowledged

We urge the Government to continue to make the case with the EU for a...

Recommendation

We urge the Government to continue to make the case with the EU for a better deal for the British Overseas Territories (BOTs). We ask the Government to clarify what proposals it has made to the European Commission in respect … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government will account for the views of the UK Overseas Territories in discussions with the EU and has provided regular updates to them. Any changes to their trading arrangements with the EU would need to be pursued through the UK government as part of wider UK-EU discussions.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

72 Acknowledged

We have already made recommendations on extending the Government’s commitments to transparency of Free Trade...

Recommendation

We have already made recommendations on extending the Government’s commitments to transparency of Free Trade Agreement negotiations to the negotiations with the EU. Given the cross-cutting nature and complexity of the EU relationship, we also recommend that the Government publish … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges the recommendation but commits only to ongoing engagement with Parliament through existing mechanisms like evidence sessions and briefings, and will keep scrutiny commitments under review.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

74 Acknowledged

We ask the Government to commit to making time for a debate and vote in...

Recommendation

We ask the Government to commit to making time for a debate and vote in the House of Commons for each new formal treaty with the EU that is subject to the process in section 20 of the Constitutional Reform … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges Parliament's role in scrutinizing its work and states that scrutiny commitments are under review, indicating that legislation to implement new agreements will be brought forward, but does not commit to a debate and vote for each new formal treaty or extend the scrutiny period.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

75 Acknowledged

It would have been preferable for the Government to publish its Dynamic Alignment Bill for...

Recommendation

It would have been preferable for the Government to publish its Dynamic Alignment Bill for implementation of the relevant new EU agreements in draft for pre-legislative scrutiny at an earlier opportunity so that the detail of this proposed mechanism could … Read more

Government Response Summary

The Government acknowledges the role of Parliament in scrutinising its work and states that Parliament will scrutinise the legislation that implements the new agreements, but does not explicitly commit to ensuring that Parliament considers the substance of the Bill only after the finalized legal texts have been published.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

83 Acknowledged

While the House of Commons approach to scrutiny of EU matters is ultimately a matter...

Recommendation

While the House of Commons approach to scrutiny of EU matters is ultimately a matter for the House itself, the establishment of a new Committee requires the Government’s support and its effectiveness will also depend on the flow of information … Read more

Government Response Summary

The Government recognises the important role for Parliament and says it will have a say in areas where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws, but is not able to comment on negotiations.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

84 Acknowledged

We also ask the Government to explain if it intends to make sure that the...

Recommendation

We also ask the Government to explain if it intends to make sure that the new agreements with the EU based on dynamic alignment will include a mechanism, for example modelled on the Stormont Brake, that would enable the UK … Read more

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges the role of Parliament and states Parliament will have a say in dynamically aligning with new EU laws, but does not commit to a specific mechanism like the Stormont Brake. They state that they are in negotiations on decision-shaping powers and cannot provide running commentary.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

85 Acknowledged

Similarly, we ask it to clarify if its recent assertion that “no new [EU] rules...

Recommendation

Similarly, we ask it to clarify if its recent assertion that “no new [EU] rules will apply in the UK without the UK first agreeing to this” means that the Government will have to consent to the UK aligning with … Read more

Government Response Summary

The Government recognises the important role for Parliament and says it will have a say in areas where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws, but is not able to comment on negotiations.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Conclusions (26) Observations and findings — click to expand

1 Conclusion Acknowledged

The EU is a key partner for the UK. The relationship is more stable now than it has been for some time, but significant challenges remain and there are ample opportunities to improve it further. We are supportive of Government efforts to address these challenges, rebuilding trust and improving the …

Government Response Summary

The Government welcomes the Committee’s reflections and outlines steps taken to reset relations with the EU, focusing on deeper integration, reducing trade barriers, and supporting the internal market, with specific mention of agreements related to food and drink, energy efficiency, and emissions trading.

2 Conclusion Acknowledged

We agree that faithful implementation of the existing agreements with the EU is key to the stability of the overall UK-EU relationship, as well as to the prospects of any substantive improvements to it. Regrettably, Brexit itself and the subsequent Windsor Framework arrangements for Northern Ireland have repeatedly been a …

Government Response Summary

The Government welcomes the Committee’s reflections and states that deeper integration with the EU will deliver greater prosperity and security for the whole of the UK, reducing friction for Northern Ireland and supporting the internal market.

3 Conclusion Acknowledged

We welcome the continued efforts being made by all parties to reach a new Agreement on Gibraltar. This should bring an end to nearly 10 years of uncertainty and ensure the continued fluidity of the border with Spain, without diminishing UK sovereignty. We hope that a treaty that safeguards UK …

Government Response Summary

The government welcomes the Committee's reflections and states its aim for deeper integration with the EU, highlighting agreements made at the last summit, and states that parliamentarians' interest in the Treaty will be conveyed to the Leader of the House, Chief Whip and Business Managers for consideration in the scheduling of parliamentary business.

8 Conclusion Acknowledged

With the UK now outside the Customs Union, the risk of future EU tariffs on British steel remains. The Government did not identify the issue of steel tariffs as a priority in its public communications on the “reset”, and it is not at all clear what, if anything, it proposed …

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges the importance of steel to both the UK and the EU, highlights measures taken to protect the industries, and commits to finding a bilateral solution with the EU to protect UK-EU steel trade.

11 Conclusion Acknowledged

We hope the Security and Defence Partnership will, in particular, facilitate sustained UK-EU cooperation in support of Ukraine’s defence and, by extension, European security. In that context, it is extremely regrettable that the EU Member States in December 2025 were unable to find a united EU position on the use …

Government Response Summary

The government condemns Russia's actions in Ukraine, reaffirms its commitment to coordinate with the EU to provide aid, and highlights that they are leveraging immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine's needs.

13 Conclusion Acknowledged

European security is facing its greatest threat since the end of the Cold War. Russia continues its illegal war on Ukraine and poses an acute threat to the security of the entire European continent. It has intensified its hybrid operations in the UK and across the EU. This threat makes …

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges the importance of industrial cooperation but notes that negotiations on the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) were not concluded due to national interest concerns, but claims UK defense companies continue to have access to SAFE contracts under standard third-country terms.

14 Conclusion Acknowledged

The UK is a key player in continued efforts to repel Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to protect Europe’s security more broadly. Security Action for Europe, as a key EU programme aimed at improving the defence of the European continent, would clearly be more effective with greater involvement of Britain’s …

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges the committee's interest, states they entered negotiations in good faith, but were unable to conclude negotiations with an agreement as it was not in the national interest. However, UK defence companies continue to have access to SAFE contracts under standard third-country terms.

15 Conclusion Acknowledged

It is therefore extremely disappointing that these negotiations have been a failure so far. This is the direct result of EU demands for a UK financial contribution to Security Action for Europe that was, we agree with the Government, beyond the bounds of the reasonable. As a result, cooperation in …

Government Response 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.

18 Conclusion Acknowledged

The Common Understanding agreed with the EU is one of the key outcomes of the Government’s “reset” efforts to date. As and when delivered fully, it should significantly reduce barriers to trade for some sectors, albeit resulting in reduced UK regulatory autonomy due to the commitment to dynamic alignment with …

Government Response Summary

The Government was elected on the basis of manifesto commitments to reset relations with our European Partners, while sticking to our red lines, and states it delivered on this.

19 Conclusion Acknowledged

Reflecting the Government’s approach to setting its EU negotiating objectives, we found there is little in the Common Understanding by way of a connecting thread between its different elements. Some of the Government’s known objectives for the “reset”, as well as numerous proposals made by stakeholders for improvements to the …

Government Response Summary

The government agrees that faithful implementation of the existing agreements with the EU is key to the stability of the overall UK-EU relationship and mentions the Windsor Framework.

21 Conclusion Acknowledged

The Government has made the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the EU a political priority and convincingly demonstrated its potential economic benefits if properly negotiated. However, important questions remain about the scope of the Agreement and of any exemptions from the UK’s obligation to align with EU rules. (Conclusion, Paragraph …

Government Response Summary

The government acknowledges the importance of alignment with the EU, citing manifesto commitments and potential economic benefits, and states it will take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach while engaging with industry.

28 Conclusion Acknowledged

More broadly, the Government has now entered into negotiations with the EU on several agreements on the basis of dynamic alignment with relevant EU laws, subject to some exceptions yet to be negotiated. The Committee notes that this will, necessarily, reduce regulatory autonomy in Great Britain, beyond the constraints that …

Government Response Summary

The government recognises the important role for Parliament and states that Parliament will have a say in areas of dynamic alignment with EU laws and be able to respond to treaties and the related Bill. However, they state that they cannot give a running commentary on negotiations regarding UK decision-shaping powers.

29 Conclusion Acknowledged

There is a lack of clarity about the extent to which relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union will be binding on the UK under any new Agreements based on dynamic alignment. (Conclusion, Paragraph 87)

Government Response Summary

The government recognises the important role for Parliament and states that Parliament will have a say in areas of dynamic alignment with EU laws and be able to respond to treaties and the related Bill. However, they state that they cannot give a running commentary on negotiations regarding UK decision-shaping powers.

44 Conclusion Acknowledged

While we recognise that not all things can be negotiated in the open, there is a tension between exposing one’s hand and the transparency necessary for good parliamentary scrutiny. The Government will be better equipped to conduct the negotiations with the EU if it is well-informed through consultation and engagement, …

Government Response Summary

The government states that it takes its commitment to scrutiny very seriously and is committed to being open and transparent in its engagement with Parliament, including through formal evidence sessions, correspondence and private briefings.

53 Conclusion Acknowledged

In many ways, UK and EU security interests intersect and overlap, and actions taken separately may be less effective than shared action. Worse, as the EU’s steel tariffs show, unilateral action by one party to the Strategic Partnership risks damaging the other. Yet even after the Lancaster House summit with …

Government Response Summary

The government is pursuing closer cooperation with the EU under the Security and Defence Partnership in areas which deliver practical results against shared threats, including supporting Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and coordinating on defence industrial resilience, underpinned by high-level engagement.

55 Conclusion Acknowledged

The UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership could be used as a springboard to further operational cooperation on security and defence matters where this is in the UK interest. It is unclear which specific options, such as a Framework Participation Agreement or an Administrative Arrangement with the European Defence Agency, the …

Government Response Summary

The government is pursuing closer cooperation with the EU under the Security and Defence Partnership in areas which deliver practical results against shared threats, including supporting Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and coordinating on defence industrial resilience, underpinned by high-level engagement.

57 Conclusion Acknowledged

On the balance of the evidence available, we can see that trade barriers with the EU continue to be a major issue for many sectors. We support Government efforts to explore what further opportunities exist for reducing them jointly with the EU. It is unfortunate that statements made in recent …

Government Response Summary

The Government reiterates its commitment to resetting relations with European partners while adhering to its red lines (no return to the Customs Union, Single Market, or freedom of movement) and states it is already aligning with the Single Market in some areas.

62 Conclusion Acknowledged

The evidence submitted to this inquiry shows there are a range of further pragmatic steps that the UK and EU can explore together with the aim of improving their trading relationship, strengthening their combined resilience in the face of global economic shocks and also further reducing barriers to intra-UK trade …

Government Response Summary

The government states that improving the economic and strategic relationship with the EU remains a top priority and that deeper integration is within the UK’s national interest, and that future summits will provide opportunities to strengthen this relationship.

66 Conclusion Acknowledged

The Falkland Island Government has eloquently made the case for a new chapter on trade relations between the British Overseas Territories (BOTs) and the EU (alongside the separate arrangements for Gibraltar given its unique geographical situation). Given these territories’ small size, the lifting of the tariffs suggested by the Falklands …

Government Response Summary

The government states that it seeks to ensure that discussions on UK-EU relations and agreements take account of the views of, and impacts on, the UK Overseas Territories, and that changes to their trading arrangements would need to be pursued through the UK Government.

68 Conclusion Acknowledged

While the best moment for an EU White Paper would have been in advance of the first UK-EU summit, we do not believe it is too late given that the Government’s own position on this matter is clearly in flux; there remains a need for a stable, long-term approach to …

Government Response Summary

The government refers to its manifesto commitments on resetting relations with the EU and the Common Understanding announced at the May Summit, setting out an agenda for strengthened cooperation, but does not commit to publishing a White Paper.

73 Conclusion Acknowledged

Parliament’s ability to effectively scrutinise any new agreements negotiated with the EU before they enter into force is a key test of the Government’s commitment to democratic legitimacy and accountability. It would be a concrete demonstration that lessons have been learned from the inadequate scrutiny processes for the Northern Ireland …

Government Response Summary

The Government has been clear and consistent in its messaging on its ambitions for closer cooperation with the EU to improve the safety, security and economic prosperity of the UK. Mentions Common Understanding document.

76 Conclusion Acknowledged

Given the impact, complexity and cross-cutting nature of the UK’s relationship with the EU, continued parliamentary scrutiny of the UK-EU relationship is vital. (Conclusion, Paragraph 221)

Government Response Summary

The government recognises the importance of parliamentary scrutiny of the UK-EU relationship and will keep scrutiny commitments under review to ensure that they are right as it moves forwards. It will also ensure Parliament can scrutinise the legislation that implements these new agreements where legislation is required.

77 Conclusion Acknowledged

The EU is a key international partner for the UK. As such, the Foreign Affairs Committee should continue carrying out the scrutiny function for the foreign policy dimension of the new relationship, including the Security and Defence Partnership, as well as relevant elements of the new Strategic Partnership and the …

Government Response Summary

The government recognises the important role for Parliament in the legislation process and has secured explicit reference in the Common Understanding to the United Kingdom’s constitutional and parliamentary procedures for future areas of alignment. It states that Parliament will have a say where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws.

78 Conclusion Acknowledged

The closer relationship with the EU and the accelerating trend towards UK regulatory alignment with the EU does, however, raise important questions about the need for parliamentary scrutiny of EU matters within the House of Commons. In particular, under the envisaged agreements based on dynamic alignment the UK Parliament will, …

Government Response Summary

The government recognises the important role for Parliament in the legislation process and has secured explicit reference in the Common Understanding to the United Kingdom’s constitutional and parliamentary procedures for future areas of alignment. It states that Parliament will have a say where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws.

79 Conclusion Acknowledged

Even so, the UK has only limited scope to influence new EU laws with which it is or will be aligning. To ensure a degree of democratic legitimacy and accountability in relation to regulatory alignment with the European Union, it is necessary that the House of Commons should have appropriate …

Government Response Summary

The government recognises the important role for Parliament in the legislation process and has secured explicit reference in the Common Understanding to the United Kingdom’s constitutional and parliamentary procedures for future areas of alignment. It states that Parliament will have a say where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws.

82 Conclusion Acknowledged

We intend to consider the matter further, engaging with other interested parties within the House of Commons. It would be preferable for there to be broad agreement on the appropriate EU scrutiny mechanisms before any new treaties with the EU requiring dynamic alignment are brought into force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 227)

Government Response Summary

The Government recognises the important role for Parliament and says it will have a say in areas where the UK dynamically aligns with new EU laws, but is not able to comment on negotiations.