Labour's David Lammy promises new UK-EU security pact

Labour would forge a new security pact between the UK and the European Union if it wins the next election, the shadow foreign secretary has said.

In a speech, David Lammy set out five goals the party said would help Britain "thrive" on the world stage.

The proposals involves working more closely with the EU on cyber threats, energy security and organised crime.

A Foreign Office spokesman said that its focus was helping countries become resilient against external threats.

In an address at the foreign affairs think tank Chatham House, Mr Lammy outlined how the party would reset UK foreign policy and create a "Britain Reconnected".

Labour say their proposals will improve UK prosperity by resolving the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations, tackling climate change and rebuilding what the shadow foreign secretary described as Britain's "tarnished" international reputation.

Mr Lammy also promised to ease UK-EU friction on food and medical goods, strengthen the recognition of professional standards, and restore co-operation on science and research - with regular summits of the two sides to discuss commons issues.

He also pledged to re-establish the UK as a "trusted, reliable and influential partner" when it comes to diplomacy.

However, he reiterated that a Labour government would not take the UK back into the EU's single market or customs union.

The party's leader Sir Keir Starmer previously ruled out rejoining the single market despite the Labour mayor of London Sadiq Khan recently calling for a shift to greater alignment with Europe.

Mr Lammy said: "Any serious discussion about increasing prosperity in Britain must include the 15 trillion elephant in the room - the European market just across our shores."

He said: "We will rebuild bilateral relationships with key European partners. A modern Britain in a changing world must invest in partnerships beyond our traditional allies in Europe, North America and the Commonwealth."

Mr Lammy also said that a Labour government would "stand with Ukraine", and commit to Nato, as well as defence co-operation with Australia and Japan.

And he said: "Our commitment to Britain's independent nuclear deterrent is unambiguous."

The Foreign Office spokesman said that the foreign secretary had set out the government's approach to foreign policy, focusing on helping countries tackle threats from climate change, disease and hostile states.

"We are focused on responding to Russia's aggression in Ukraine - our total military, humanitarian and economic support now amounts to nearly £4bn," he said.