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
Government Response (AI assessment · 67 of 85 classified)
Accepted
15
Acknowledged
41
Deferred
3
Rejected
1
Recommendations
3 results
24
Not Addressed
We ask the Government to provide examples of other agreements entered into by the UK...
Recommendation
We ask the Government to provide examples of other agreements entered into by the UK or EU where termination by one party would require the payment of compensation to the other. This will ensure that Parliament has the proper context …
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Government Response Summary
The government response discusses relations with the EU, trade barriers, and agreements on fishing and emissions trading, but does not provide examples of agreements where termination requires compensation.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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59
Not Addressed
In particular, in light of recent comments by Ministers, we also ask the Government to...
Recommendation
In particular, in light of recent comments by Ministers, we also ask the Government to clarify if it is reconsidering its “red lines” for the EU negotiations, particularly on the Single Market and customs matters, or if it can envisage …
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Government Response Summary
The government restates its commitment to its existing 'red lines' and highlights existing areas of alignment with the Single Market, but does not directly address whether it is reconsidering those red lines or envisages circumstances in which it would be prudent to do so.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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69
Not Addressed
To ensure the Strategic Partnership with the EU can deliver on its full potential, we...
Recommendation
To ensure the Strategic Partnership with the EU can deliver on its full potential, we recommend that the Government, with a view to informing its objectives for the next bilateral summit and beyond, publish a White Paper on the future …
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Government Response Summary
The government refers to its manifesto commitments and the Common Understanding, but does not commit to publishing a White Paper on the future of the UK-EU relationship, focusing instead on the upcoming summit.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Conclusions (3) Observations and findings — click to expand
20
Conclusion
Not Addressed
British companies lead the world in their work in editing crop genes to prevent disease, eradicate pests and enable crops to survive drought or flooding. Furthermore, the UK maintains some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. Since Brexit, the UK has had the power to set animal …
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes continued efforts to reach a new Agreement on Gibraltar to ensure the continued fluidity of the border with Spain without diminishing UK sovereignty.
27
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Citizens of both the UK and EU face a sustained cost of living crisis, and the Committee supports the Government’s efforts to bring down energy bills by making electricity trading with the EU more efficient. However, we note there is no detail yet about the Government’s position for the talks …
Government Response Summary
The government restates its commitment to not rejoining the Customs Union or Single Market, highlights areas where closer alignment can benefit the UK, and mentions engagement with stakeholders, but does not address the specific concerns about the details and timing of energy trading agreements with the EU.
71
Conclusion
Not Addressed
To date, the Government has been reluctant to be transparent with Parliament about the substance of its position in talks with the EU and progress in those negotiations. We are not asking for Ministers to give, in their words, a “running commentary”, but there is significant scope for improvement in …
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and the new strategic partnership with the EU but does not address the request for examples of agreements with compensation clauses for termination.