The UK and the EU have agreed a new deal outlining key aspects of their post-Brexit relationship, including fishing rights, trade regulations, and defence cooperation.
As part of the agreement, EU fishing vessels will continue to have access to UK waters until 2038. The original 2020 Brexit deal, which allowed the UK to regain 25% of EU fishing quotas, was due to expire next year. Under the new terms, the UK will now set annual fishing quotas in collaboration with the EU and Norway, and will issue licences to control access to its waters.
A new £360 million “fishing and coastal growth fund” is also being introduced to support investment in modern technology and equipment for the industry.
In a significant development for exporters, the UK has reached an agreement with the EU to reduce food checks at the border. Most routine inspections on animal and plant products will be dropped, and for the first time since Brexit, the UK will be able to export raw burgers and sausages to the EU again.
However, the UK will be expected to follow certain EU regulations it does not help create, with oversight from the European Court of Justice. It may diverge from these rules only if it maintains “similar standards.”
A formal defence and security pact has also been established, committing UK and EU officials to meet every six months to discuss foreign policy and intelligence sharing.
In addition, both sides have agreed to cooperate on a “youth experience scheme,” which the UK government says “could see young people able to work and travel freely in Europe again.” The scheme would be “capped and time-limited.”
Meanwhile, British travellers could benefit from improved access to EU airports, with each member state able to decide whether to allow UK citizens to use e-gates.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.