A post-Brexit reset of relations between London and Brussels has been agreed upon, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer claiming it will bring £9bn in benefits to the UK. However, there are immediate claims of “surrender” as the UK has agreed to keep British fishing grounds open to EU boats for another 12 years.
This concession on fishing by the UK paved the way for a comprehensive deal that includes a security and defence pact, as well as the removal of red tape for British farm exports and energy trading with the EU.
The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, described the agreement as “historic” and it was unveiled at a London summit, the first between the two sides since the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020.
Both Britain and the EU are looking to strengthen their ties post-Brexit, especially with the strains in transatlantic relations due to the US presidency and global events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed hope that this agreement would lead to smoother trade with the EU, although she was disappointed that it did not address the issue of British musicians touring in Europe.
The deal includes provisions for EU access to UK fishing grounds for an extended period, in exchange for easier entry of UK food products into the EU. The agreement marks a new chapter in the relationship between the UK and the EU, moving away from the debates of the past.
While Starmer sees this as a practical solution with economic benefits, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the deal for surrendering on fisheries and accepting EU rules on food standards. Nigel Farage also condemned Starmer for appeasing EU interests at the expense of British jobs.
The UK has agreed to dynamically align with EU regulations on foodstuffs and make payments to the EU for work on standards, aiming to facilitate trade and reduce checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
Despite criticism from some quarters, the UK government believes that the deal will bring economic benefits, especially in the agriculture and food sector. The agreement also includes measures to support the fishing and tourism industries in coastal areas.
The UK-EU deal also covers a defence and security partnership, with potential access to a significant fund for the UK defence sector. It also includes provisions for smoother travel for British holidaymakers entering the EU.
Overall, the agreement signals a new phase in UK-EU relations, with a focus on economic cooperation and security. While some details are still being ironed out, both sides are optimistic about the future of their relationship post-Brexit.