UK officially agrees to new deal with the EU – here’s what’s included
The UK has officially confirmed a new agreement with the European Union, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In a statement on Monday 19 May, Starmer said that the deal will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, bring back British jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.
The announcement comes after extensive negotiations over the last six months, which led to the third major deal struck by the government in as many weeks, following pacts with the US and India.
The EU is the UK’s largest trading partner. After the 21% drop in exports and 7% drop in imports seen since Brexit, the UK will also be able to sell various products, such as burgers and sausages, back into the EU again, supporting these vital British industries.
“It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people,” said Starmer.
“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home. So that’s what this deal is all about – facing out into the world once again, in the great tradition of this nation. Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest. Because that is what independent, sovereign nations do.”
Some of the changes are outlined in more detail below.
Lower food prices expected
As part of the deal, a new agreement will make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border. This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses.
Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed completely, allowing goods to flow freely again, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Ultimately, this could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves, meaning more money in people’s pockets.
Emissions, energy, and fishing
The new agreement will also mean closer co-operation on emissions through linking of the respective Emissions Trading Systems. It will also improve the UK’s energy security and avoid businesses being hit by the EU’s carbon tax due to come in next year – which would have sent £800 million directly to the EU’s budget.
British steel exports are protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs, through a bespoke arrangement for the UK that will save UK steel £25 million per year.
The UK and EU have also reached a new twelve-year agreement that protects Britain’s fishing access, fishing rights and fishing areas with no increase in the amount of fish EU vessels can catch in British waters.
Travel changes
As part of the agreement, the UK will enter talks about access to EU facial images data for the first time, on top of the existing arrangements for DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data. This will enhance its ability to catch dangerous criminals and ensure they face justice more quickly.
British holidaymakers will be able to use more eGates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control. Pets will also be able to travel more easily, with the introduction of ‘pet passports’ for UK cats and dogs, eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip.
The UK and the EU have also agreed to co-operate further on a youth experience scheme, which could see young people able to work and travel freely in Europe again. The scheme, which would be capped and time-limited, would mirror existing schemes the UK has with countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
