UK Government statement on the meeting of the Partnership Council The United Kingdom and the European Union today held the first meeting of the Partnership Council in London. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere and marks an important milestone in our new relationship as friendly trading partners and sovereign equals. We welcomed the final ratification of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and highlighted the importance of this Agreement in building a mutually beneficial and stable relationship. We agreed an indicative timetable for upcoming meetings of the various Joint Committees established under the Agreement, and encouraged continuing work on the establishment of the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly and the Civil Society Forum.