British ministers are in Brussels today, Tuesday 10 November 2026, for talks with the European Union aimed at preparing the UK-EU summit on 20 November, as both sides try to turn the reset in relations into concrete agreements.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and European Relations Minister Hamish Falconer are meeting the EU trade chief, Maroš Šefčovič. Falconer will also meet senior EU lawmakers as the negotiations ahead of the summit gather pace.

The talks cover agrifood trade, emissions trading and the EU's Made in Europe industrial agenda, with the UK seeking closer industrial cooperation and stronger supply chains. The aim, ministers say, is to lower barriers for businesses and strengthen economic security on both sides.

Joint Committee meets in Brussels

Today also brings the third meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee, the body that oversees the deal governing the UK's departure from the EU. Falconer told Parliament in a written statement on 4 November that the meeting is an important milestone in the run-up to the summit on 20 November.

At the Joint Committee, the UK and the EU will sign a joint declaration protecting parcels sent to consumers in Northern Ireland. Parcels classed as not at risk under the Windsor Framework facilitation schemes will not be affected by a handling fee recently introduced by the EU, meaning shoppers in Northern Ireland will pay no fees or charges on those deliveries.

Falconer said the summit should strike deals that will boost our growth in every postcode, cut red tape and provide more opportunities to young people.

What the summit is expected to deliver

The 20 November meeting in Brussels will be the second UK-EU summit at leaders' level since the UK left the European Union, following the first last summer. Agreements on agriculture and food, emissions trading and youth experience visas are expected to be confirmed, according to reports of the preparations.

Officials will also discuss the agenda for the next round of talks, which could include another attempt for Britain to join the EU's 150 billion euro SAFE defence fund, closer cooperation on law enforcement and borders, and visas for touring artists.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to attend the European Political Community summit in Dublin on Thursday, where Downing Street sources say he hopes to finalise Labour's reset deal and meet many European leaders for the first time since taking office. He will then lead the UK delegation at the Brussels summit on 20 November.

Divisions over how far to go

The push for closer ties has exposed divisions inside the cabinet. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said on Sunday that nobody wanted to repeat the circular arguments about EU membership, even as she backed the prime minister's push for closer ties with Brussels.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood are also reported to be cautious about pushing towards full rejoining. Chancellor John Healey has said publicly that freedom of movement is not negotiable, while the prime minister has said he wants an honest conversation about the options, including the single market and customs union.

Michel Barnier, the EU's former chief Brexit negotiator, has warned that London cannot expect single market benefits on a pick-and-choose basis while rejecting freedom of movement. For now, ministers insist the focus is on the summit and on tangible improvements for businesses and travellers, with any wider debate to follow after 20 November.