Negotiations between the UK and the EU regarding a substantial adjustment to their relationship have reached a significant milestone, achieving a breakthrough concerning fishing rights just before a critical summit in London. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to welcome European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to London on Monday following a series of late-night discussions. The main points of contention had been the timeline for EU fishing vessels’ access to British waters and the process for inspecting goods such as food. A UK source reported a breakthrough on Monday morning, although certain details are yet to be finalized, with an update anticipated later in the morning.
Fishing appears to be at the heart of this last-minute agreement, with reports indicating a 10-year arrangement allowing boats from the EU to access British waters, exceeding the four-year proposal initially put forward by Starmer’s government. The EU has tied this discussion to a willingness to reduce bureaucratic checks on the sale of food, animal, and other agricultural products, suggesting this simplification should occur over the same period as the fishing agreement.
Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s trade and business secretary, acknowledged the potential benefits of the agreement without confirming its completion, emphasizing the importance of the negotiations in enhancing national security, economic growth, and job creation in the UK. Although Downing Street has maintained that the London meeting is part of a continuous process, the negotiations have mirrored the sometimes chaotic discussions during the Brexit withdrawal process. Key aspects under discussion also include improved access to EU defense funding for UK companies, the introduction of a mutual youth mobility scheme, and expedited access for UK travelers to EU countries via e-passport gates.
Fishing rights have been a significant element of Brexit discussions, with the Conservative and Reform UK parties cautioning against any deal that could adversely affect the UK fishing industry. Mike Cohen, the CEO of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, highlighted the industry’s dependence on the benefits secured by any deal, urging for a beneficial outcome for fishing communities and the industry. The acceptability of any agreement, according to Cohen, will hinge on the trade-offs and benefits obtained for the fishing sector and its dependent communities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/19/uk-eu-brexit-reset-talks-starmer-summit
