UK and EU officials discuss closer alignment options before summit

British and European officials have been talking about ways to bring the UK and EU closer together. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that both sides are looking at different options for the future relationship. Topics under discussion include food and drink trade, electricity, and carbon emissions rules. Officials are also negotiating a Youth Experience Scheme, which would let young people live and work abroad for a limited time with a visa. The UK government says it has not yet decided what the final relationship will look like. A leaders' summit is planned for 20 November 2026 in Brussels, where the UK prime minister will meet senior EU figures. He has said he will explain the UK's long-term plans after that meeting.