On Tuesday 12 September, the British government published a new paper in which it offers the European Union a "deep security partnership" to be able to help confront "ever-growing global threats".
The post-Brexit position paper sets out how the British government wants to build a new security partnership with the EU to be able to defend democracy and protect peace in Europe and the world. It underlines that London wants to maintain deep and close cooperation with the EU in the security domain and in various aspects of defence and foreign affairs, including joint policies and collaboration on international sanctions.
According to Britain's Brexit minister, David Davis, it is in the common interest of Europe and the UK to work together against terrorism and other forms of threat, French press agency AFP reports. Davis speaks of his country's desire to make its means and influence available to the EU to be able to fight against the shared challenges Europe faces, such as terrorism, extremism, illegal migration and cybercrime.
The Commission said on Tuesday that it would study this position.
EU (Withdrawal) Bill approved by British parliament
Elsewhere, the British House of Commons approved the bill late night on Monday 11 September to repeal European law in preparation for the UK leaving the EU. Adopted by 356 votes in favour versus 290 against, the Great Repeal Bill aims to end the European Union's legal supremacy in the UK by repealing the UK's 1972 act of accession to the EU (see EUROPE 11859).
According to AFP, British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed the decision as historic and said the parliament had decided to back the will of the British people and vote for a law that brings certainty and clarity before the UK's withdrawal from the EU.
Criticised by the British opposition which did not agree with the method chosen by the British government (granting exceptional powers) to get the bill passed, the Great Repeal bill has also been criticised by some MEPs, such as Jo Leinen (S&D, Germany), who says that it is a step backwards in social and environmental standards. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)