Prime Minister Andy Burnham is to sign a new deal with the bloc
Andy Burnham plans a new deal with the EU (Image: Getty)
British police and military experts could be sent to war-torn regions under EU command, as part of an agreement set to be signed this week. A leaked draft of the November 20 UK-EU summit statement includes a commitment for the UK to take part in missions as part of the EU’s Civilian Common Security and Defence Policy.
This is overseen by the EU’s diplomatic service and Political and Security Committee, which is made up of ambassadors from EU member states – but does not include the UK. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet EU leaders on Friday to agree a new deal.
Current missions include supporting the Iraqi government to achieve peace and security, helping Libyan authorities secure air, sea and land borders and promoting the rule of law in Somalia. Those taking part include police, diplomats and security experts from EU nations. The draft agreement states: “The EU and the UK will continue to closely cooperate in crisis management and step up cooperation in the context of civilian missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy.”
The agreement continues: “In this context, we welcome the signing/conclusion of negotiations [TBD] on the Framework Participation Agreement for UK participation in EU civilian CSDP missions, enabling a tangible joint contribution to tackle shared threats and challenges, with a particular focus on European security.”
Shadow defence minister David Reed said: “It is ludicrous that British personnel could be sent on EU missions under the direction of a committee Britain doesn’t even sit on. This is signing Britain up to be part of the EU’s army by stealth.
“We want to work closely with our European allies, but the last time Labour sought a defence deal with Brussels, the EU asked for billions for the privilege.
“Britain must remain in control of its own defence, its own armed forces, and its own money. Decisions about when and where British personnel are deployed must always be made in Britain, by British leaders, accountable to the British people.
“Healey resigned over the failure to commit to 3% of GDP on defence by 2030, yet Labour still cannot explain how it will deliver it. Britain needs action, not excuses and backdoor deals with the EU. The Conservatives would fund our national defence by cutting the welfare bill.”
British officials said the leaked documents had been drawn up by the EU and did not represent the UK’s position.
A Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on leaked documents and do not intend to give a running commentary on ongoing negotiations.”