UK and EU to defy Trump with ‘free and open trade’ declaration

The draft U.K.-EU agreement, dated April 25, is one of several being drawn up ahead of a May 19 summit, which is seen as a key moment in resetting post-Brexit relations.

Officials are also negotiating U.K.-EU agreements on defense and security, fishing and energy, as well as a “common understanding” of which topics will be covered by intensive Brexit reset negotiations this year.

EU ambassadors are set to meet on Wednesday in Brussels to review progress on talks.

The leaked draft also covers topics like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and irregular migration.

Both parties pledge their “unwavering commitment to providing political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic” support for Kyiv and also assert their “commitment to securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and [a] surge in humanitarian aid.”

The document also contains a section recommitting both parties to “multilateralism” — including support for the United Nations charter, the European Convention on Human Rights, and other international agreements. Some British politicians, including Nigel Farage’s Reform outfit and parts of Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative party, say they want to leave the ECHR.