The UK and European Union (EU) have agreed on a landmark deal resetting relations, just hours ahead of a pivotal summit in London.
The accord settles long-standing disputes over fishing rights and checks on agricultural and food products, paving the way for improved cooperation after years of post-Brexit tensions.
Fishing Rights Secured Until 2038
Under the agreement, the EU will retain access to British fishing waters until the end of June 2038—an extension of 12 years.
In exchange, Brussels has accepted an indefinite arrangement easing checks on food, animal, and other sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods.
This trade-off is seen as a key concession by the EU, which had previously demanded tighter linkage between fishing and SPS arrangements.
The decision has sparked backlash from Conservative and Reform UK figures, who argue the UK has compromised too much. Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, described the deal as making the UK “a rule-taker from Brussels once again”.
However, government officials defended the outcome, insisting it preserves access and quota levels for British fishermen and avoids the disruption of annual renegotiations.
One UK source noted: “This is about protecting long-term certainty for fishing communities—not reopening the same debate every year with no real gains.”
Broader Cooperation on Defence and Travel
The London summit, hosted by Labour leader Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is also expected to strengthen defence cooperation.
Talks are ongoing about granting UK firms better access to EU defence funding and enabling UK travellers to use e-passport gates when entering the bloc.
However, not all issues have been resolved. Negotiations over a youth mobility scheme remain contentious, with the UK pushing for caps on entrants—a stance the EU continues to resist.
Political Fallout and Industry Reaction
Overnight negotiations had raised concerns that a deal might fall through, particularly over Brussels’ initial demand to tie food rules to fishing access. In the end, EU officials expressed optimism, calling it “a constructive reset of the relationship.”
Still, critics remain vocal. Badenoch tweeted: “Twelve years’ access to our waters is triple what the government originally proposed. With no clarity on youth mobility caps, concerns over the return of free movement will only grow.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged the UK to move on from “the Brexit wars of the past,” calling figures like Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage “dinosaurs fighting old battles.”
Within the fishing industry, reaction remains cautious. Mike Cohen of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations told the BBC: “If we’ve gained real benefits in return, this could be a deal worth supporting. If not, it will be seen as a major concession with little return.”
Conclusion
While Downing Street maintains that this summit is part of an ongoing process, rather than a final conclusion, the agreement marks a notable shift in UK-EU relations. With key economic and political sectors watching closely, much will now depend on how the fine print delivers for British interests—particularly in fishing, trade, and travel.
