London, Apr 22 (Reporter) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is close to concluding a major trade deal with the European Union that would allow British arms companies to sell billions of pounds worth of weapons to European allies, The Times newspaper reported. UK companies will also be able to bid for a new 150 billion euros ($172.6 billion) EU defense fund as part of Starmer's intention to build a new relationship with the EU, the report said on Monday. In addition, the UK prime minister is expected to announce a 30 million pounds ($40.1 million) deal for drones made by New Zealand company Syos Aerospace, which has a factory in Hampshire, the report added...////...