Doughty: UK/EU political agreement sets new course with huge benefits

The UK/EU political agreement has been down to incredibly hard work on the UK and EU, and the Spanish and Gibraltar teams, and sets a new course with huge benefits.

This was part of the Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty’s speech as he addressed the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly Plenary in London.

Mr Doughty said the 'Reset' the UK had pursued with the European Union, following last year’s election, was going  “extremely well”.  It was, he said, a new course in relations in a new era, and one defined by many of the current geopolitical, economic, and social challenges.

The Europe Minister focused on three key themes: the importance of rebuilding trust; strengthening security; and tackling shared challenges.

Highlighting specific moments when they had worked together in these areas,  Mr Doughty said a strong foundation had been built but that there were opportunities to develop the relationship further.  The success he said, lay in a united front.

The close relationship between the UK and Spain was evident in the Minister’s address as he referred to the Spanish Premier as his “good friend Pedro.”