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Keir Starmer Touts EU Agreement: Cheaper Food and Energy Promised
Keir Starmer has pledged that his revised agreement with the EU will bring about more affordable food and energy for Britons, touting a “win-win” outcome as he finalized the significant accord, which includes concessions on youth visas and fishing rights. This updated UK-EU relationship aims to ease trade barriers and enhance cooperation.
Prime Minister Hails New Era
“Britain is back on the world stage,” the Prime Minister stated following the agreement with EU’s Ursula von der Leyen in London. “It grants us exceptional access to the EU marketplace, superior to any other nation, while upholding our key commitments.”
Von der Leyen characterized the moment as “historic, signaling a fresh phase in our unique connection.” However, criticism swiftly emerged from right-leaning factions contending that the arrangement would render the UK a mere “rule taker” dictated by Brussels.
Key Benefits for Britons
Starmer emphasized the concrete advantages for British citizens, including more economical groceries and streamlined passage at European airports through the use of e-gates. The government aims to implement both within the coming year.
The accord also sets the stage for the UK’s reentry into the Erasmus student exchange program and the establishment of a youth mobility scheme, facilitating work, study, au pair opportunities, or travel for young individuals within the EU.
Government officials have affirmed that the scheme will be capped and of limited duration, akin to agreements with Australia and New Zealand. However, unresolved negotiations persist regarding whether these caps will apply to individual member states or across the EU collectively.
Economic Boost and Trade
Acknowledging the detrimental impact of Brexit on British commerce, Starmer asserted that removing restrictions on agri-food trade would inject £9 billion into the UK economy. Government briefings suggest that this move would partially offset the declines of 21% in exports and 7% in imports observed since Brexit.
This marks the third agreement forged by Britain this month, following accords with India and the US.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, a prominent Europhile within the cabinet, hailed the agreement as “the premier EU deal for any nation,” asserting that it positions “Britain as the prime destination for investment and business, benefiting from advantageous deals with major economies.”
Controversial Concessions
However, the trade benefits came at a contentious cost. The UK will permit EU fishers access to British waters for an additional 12 years, a last-minute concession that sparked strong opposition from Conservatives and industry representatives. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticized Starmer’s actions.
The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations voiced “profound disappointment” with the agreement, arguing that it undermines the fishing industry’s and coastal communities’ growth prospects for the next decade.
Government sources contend that the industry will significantly benefit from the export agreement, enabling the export of certain foods, including shellfish, to the EU for the first time since Brexit.
Deal Highlights
The comprehensive agreement includes:
- A defense partnership as a preliminary measure to secure UK access to a €150 billion EU rearmament fund, with the UK contributing financially.
- Expedited access for travelers via e-gates at European airports, although the timeline remains undefined.
- A significant emissions-trading arrangement, enabling UK exporters to avoid £800 million in carbon border taxes.
- Enhanced collaboration on crime and migration, including access to EU facial recognition data.
UK officials indicated that the long-term fishing settlement was agreed upon to provide the industry with stability. Initial EU demands included a permanent fishing agreement or a time-limited agri-food deal, both of which British negotiators rejected.
Late-Night Negotiations
Negotiations extended late into the night. The final terms were presented by UK negotiators around 10:30 PM, and language negotiations persisted until 3:00 AM. EU ambassadors convened in the early hours to formally approve the three texts.
Tensions escalated in Brussels during the final hours, particularly after reports emerged that a deal had been reached which contrasted with the unresolved fishing agreement. Sources suggested that Starmer’s perceived endorsement of a youth mobility arrangement provided leverage for EU negotiators to seek additional concessions.
Agrifood Agreement Details
The agri-food agreement paves the way for simplified exports of British food products to the EU, encompassing a wide range of goods. This move marks a shift from previous red lines established during Brexit, embracing alignment with EU standards and a role for the European Court of Justice.
Formal approval will necessitate primary legislation in parliament, though unlike under the Conservatives, there is no anticipation of obstruction from Labour MPs, despite some unease surrounding the deal.
Political Implications
Addressing Labour MPs, Starmer asserted that he would confront the political challenge posed by Reform, arguing that trade agreements would safeguard jobs and enhance financial well-being.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch contended that the agreement would “complicate” the pursuit of a free trade agreement with the US, citing differences in standards related to products like chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef.
Formal legal agreements have not yet been finalized, and detailed negotiations are set to commence. However, von der Leyen expressed optimism that the UK would join the defense agreement “within weeks.”
Starmer has expressed his hope that British holidaymakers will be able to benefit EU e-gates “as soon as possible”.
Badenoch dismissed the deal as a “surrender,” though she refrained from committing to dismantling the terms of the agreement, indicating she would seek renegotiation if the Conservatives were to regain power.
Major supermarket chains and food and beverage companies have applauded the agri-food agreement as revolutionary, although its impact on GDP is projected to be limited. The Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated that Brexit has reduced the UK’s long-term economic productivity by 4%.
Salmon Scotland hailed it as a “breakthrough that alleviates the burden on our farmers, processors, and their communities.”
The NFU noted that the ultimate benefits would depend on the extent of the UK’s influence over the standards to which it must adhere. “Important questions remain about the scope of this agreement and potential exclusions,” the NFU stated.