UK PM Starmer nears EU defence pact in shadow of Trump trade talks

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses the crew of the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince Of Wales in front of an F35 fighter aircraft in the hangar of the carrier, which is on an eight month operational deployment. RICHARD POHLE/Pool via REUTERS

LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Britain is edging towards a new defence agreement with the European Union that officials on both sides hope will help to improve post-Brexit ties following U.S. President Donald Trump's upending of security and trade alliances.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been trying to reset ties with the bloc since he was elected last year and his government has focused on security and defence first - an area of strength for Britain.