LONDON, May 19, (AP): The United Kingdom and the European Union are expected to seal new deals on fishing rights and defense as officials meet in London on Monday to discuss closer ties in their first official summit since Brexit. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is to hold talks with EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. British media reported Monday that officials were set to announce an agreement on fishing access for EU boats in UK waters, as well as details on a defense and security partnership.

There is hope that the agreements could improve the British economy, which has been hit by a drop in EU trade caused by increased costs and red tape after the United Kingdom left the bloc in 2020. Since becoming prime minister in July, Starmer has sought to reset relations with the EU, following years of tensions in the wake of the U.K.'s Brexit referendum on June 23, 2016.

Post-Brexit relations have been governed by a trade agreement negotiated by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Starmer thinks that can be improved in a way that boosts trade and bolsters security. Starmer said Sunday that there would be a deal, without providing details, following trade agreements that the U.K. struck in recent weeks with India and the United States. "Tomorrow, we take another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom as the result of a strengthened partnership with the European Union," he said.

"It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders.” Since the Labour Party returned to power after 14 years of Conservative government, a period that was largely marked by the time leading up to the Brexit vote and its aftermath, both sides have sought to improve relations. That's been most evident in the more coordinated response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the wake of a change of approach by Washington following the return of US President Donald Trump.

Starmer, who campaigned for the UK to remain within the EU in the referendum and subsequently sought a second vote, has said that he wants a better deal with the 27-nation bloc that will smooth trade between the two sides and bolster security cooperation, including on defense procurement. Though no tariffs are slapped on the export of goods between both sides, an array of non-tariff barriers, including more onerous border checks and laborious paperwork, have made trade more difficult.