In a pivotal moment for post-Brexit diplomacy, the United Kingdom and Spain have signed a far-reaching cooperation agreement designed to reinvigorate their relationship and address a host of shared challenges. The deal, formalized in London on September 3, 2025, by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez, marks the first strategic bilateral framework between the two nations since the UK’s departure from the European Union. The agreement, which follows a series of painstaking negotiations and recent breakthroughs, signals a new era of collaboration on everything from trade and climate change to migration and security.
Both leaders gathered at 10 Downing Street for what was Sánchez’s first formal bilateral visit to the British Prime Minister’s residence—aside from NATO meetings—since taking office in 2018. The symbolism was palpable: a reset in relations after years of uncertainty and tension following the 2016 Brexit referendum, in which Gibraltar, the UK territory at the southern tip of Spain, voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. According to the Associated Press, Starmer welcomed Sánchez warmly, emphasizing the deep ties between the two countries, while Sánchez praised the UK government’s recent efforts to resolve the Gibraltar issue, calling the breakthrough “significant.”
The newly signed agreement is ambitious in its scope. It lays out a structured framework for annual strategic dialogue between foreign ministers, as well as a dedicated Trade and Investment Dialogue overseen by trade ministers from both countries. The aim? To foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, deepen cooperation on industrial policy, and bolster resilience in critical sectors. According to the official text of the agreement, both nations are committed to “delivering a dynamic, strategic, and progressive partnership that promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, enhances stability and security in Europe, and tackles global challenges, including climate change and the transition to a green economy, global health crises, reducing inequalities, and advancing the rights of women and girls.”
Trade remains a central pillar of the renewed partnership. Despite the UK’s exit from the EU, economic ties between the two countries have proven robust. As reported by PA Media, Spain was the UK’s ninth-largest export market in 2024, accounting for £20.1 billion in goods and services—2.3% of all UK exports. In the 12 months ending March 2025, exports to Spain actually rose to £20.5 billion, a 1.5% increase over the previous period. Meanwhile, Spain ranked as the UK’s sixth-largest import partner, with imports reaching £44.5 billion in 2024, up 8.3% from the year before. The agreement seeks to build on this momentum by launching a new business forum and regular meetings between economic ministers, with a special focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fostering innovation in sectors such as digital technology, health, and space.
But the deal is more than just a trade pact. It is a blueprint for comprehensive cooperation across a spectrum of policy areas. The framework covers climate action—committing both nations to work together on renewable energy, energy security, and the transition to a green economy—as well as scientific collaboration through European research programs like Horizon Europe and Eureka. There is a strong emphasis on supply chain resilience, food security, sustainable agriculture, and the development of critical raw materials. Both countries have also agreed to enhance cooperation on health, education, tourism, and cultural exchange, recognizing the deep bonds between their citizens and the millions who travel between the UK and Spain each year.
Migration and security feature prominently as well. The agreement pledges coordinated action to combat organized crime, terrorism, and human trafficking, with both governments promising to share intelligence and best practices. There is also a commitment to protect the rights of citizens residing in each other’s countries—an issue that has gained urgency in the wake of Brexit, particularly for the sizable British expatriate community in Spain and Spanish nationals in the UK.
Notably, the deal complements and builds upon the broader UK-EU framework established after the May 2025 summit, which sought to reset relations between Britain and the European bloc. The cooperation agreement explicitly recognizes Spain’s role as an EU member and the UK’s evolving relationship with the EU, ensuring that bilateral efforts are “coherent and complementary” with wider European initiatives.
One of the thorniest issues—Gibraltar—has taken a significant step forward in parallel with the broader agreement. On June 11, 2025, the UK, Spain, and the EU announced a political accord to eliminate border checks at Gibraltar, aiming to fully remove the physical border by 2026 and facilitate the free movement of people and goods. As reported by El País, a draft of the final treaty is expected to be published in October, with ratification anticipated by December 2025. While the new UK-Spain framework is not directly about Gibraltar, both leaders used their London meeting to reaffirm their commitment to finalizing the treaty and ensuring that the interests of Gibraltar’s 34,000 residents—who depend heavily on access to the EU market—are protected. The UK’s Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty, summed up the approach with a phrase he’s repeated since taking office: “Nothing about you without you.”
The agreement also reflects a shared commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and democracy. It includes provisions for joint action to promote gender equality, protect LGBTIQ+ rights, and combat discrimination and online hate speech. Both governments have pledged to collaborate on international development, support Latin America and the Caribbean’s climate and economic ambitions, and strengthen their respective strategies in Africa and the Indo-Pacific. There is even a nod to sports diplomacy, with plans to share expertise on hosting major events like the UEFA EURO 2028 in the UK and the FIFA World Cup 2030, which Spain will co-host.
On the international stage, Starmer and Sánchez also discussed pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Starmer described the Israel-Hamas war as a “terrible situation,” while Sánchez, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Europe’s response, called it a “failure.” The agreement promises regular dialogue on foreign policy, security, and development, with an eye toward coordinating efforts on humanitarian crises and promoting peace and stability in troubled regions.
Importantly, the framework is not legally binding and can be modified or terminated by mutual consent. It is, however, a clear statement of intent—a roadmap for how two close allies and old friends intend to navigate a complex, fast-changing world together. As the UK and Spain look to the future, their renewed partnership stands as both a practical and symbolic bridge across the post-Brexit divide, rooted in shared values and a recognition that, in an era of global uncertainty, cooperation is more vital than ever.