Starmer wants Britain treated like EU member in €800bn defence plan

Dr Luigi Scazzieri, of the Centre for European Reform think tank, said it would not be easy for the UK to “plug in” to EU joint procurement schemes and plans to boost production.

He said ideas being discussed included the EU changing its rules to make it easier for British firms to participate, a “pay to play” model with the UK participating in individual projects, or the UK becoming formally associated with EU defence instruments.

“Nothing is decided. For the UK, ‘pay to play’ would be ideal, but the EU may see that as special treatment for the UK,” he added, saying that it would be easier to negotiate access to new initiatives rather than established ones.

Formal association would be easier and could be based on a deal with Norway, he said. The UK would pay a membership fee, in a similar way to the Horizon research programme.