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    Home»Politics»UK-EU summit: Starmer unveils post-Brexit ‘reset’ with deal struck on food and e-gates but is accused of betrayal over handing Brussels fishing rights for 12 YEARS
    Politics

    UK-EU summit: Starmer unveils post-Brexit ‘reset’ with deal struck on food and e-gates but is accused of betrayal over handing Brussels fishing rights for 12 YEARS

    May 19, 202539 Mins Read
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    UK-EU summit: Starmer unveils post-Brexit 'reset' with deal struck on food and e-gates but is accused of betrayal over handing Brussels fishing rights for 12 YEARS
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    By JAMIE BULLEN and JAMES TAPSFIELD and DAVID WILCOCK and GREG HEFFER

    Published: 08:19, 19 May 2025 | Updated: 15:56, 19 May 2025

    Keir Starmer has declared Britain is ‘back on the world stage’ after unveiling a ‘landmark’ deal between the UK and the EU to reset relations following Brexit.

    Under the deal struck with Brussels, more tourists will be able to use e-gates at airports in Europe, pet passports will be introduced for UK cats and dogs and businesses can sell burgers and sausages into the bloc again.

    But the Prime Minister faced accusations of betraying Brexit over the extension of fishing rights for European vessels for a further 12 years and closer ties to EU rules.

    Starmer met European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa at a summit in Lancaster House before details of the deal were announced.

    Our live coverage has now ended 

    This live blog has now closed.

    Thanks for following our live coverage today of the UK-EU summit as we wrap up our live updates here.

    Although this page will now be closing, there remains plenty of content on MailOnline.

    Let’s recap what has happened today:

    • Keir Starmer hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in London where he signed a new deal with the EU that brings Britain back towards the bloc
    • The Prime Minister was accused of ‘surrender’ by hardliners after it emerged it includes allowing EU fishing boats, mainly from France and the Netherlands, to trawl UK waters for a further 12 years
    • The agreement will cut checks at the UK/EU borders for lorries carrying food and drink, which ministers hope will boost trade and cut prices in UK supermarkets for under-pressure families
    • At the same time, British firms will be able to access a 150 billion euro (£125 billion) EU defence fund set up to allow the continent to rearm in the face of Russian threats
    • And for British tourists visiting holiday hotspots such as Spain, France and Italy, the EU is to relax its rules on British travellers using e-gates, allowing faster progress through passport control for them and their pets
    • The Conservatives said Starmer had ‘betrayed Britain and Brexit’ following the deal which Downing Street said will boost the economy by £9 billion
    • And former prime minister Boris Johnson derided Starmer as the ‘gimp of Brussels’ as he said the deal was an ‘appalling sell out’

    Fury at Starmer’s Brexit ‘surrender’ as he’s accused of being the EU’s ‘gimp’

    Keir Starmer faced furious accusations of a Brexit ‘surrender’ today after he sealed a EU ‘reset’ deal despite alarm over huge concessions.

    The Prime Minister declared ‘Britain is back on the world stage’ as he held a joint press conference with a beaming European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen at a summit in London.

    Sir Keir said the agreement was ‘common sense’ and a ‘win-win’ that would bring down food prices and revive exports.

    However, critics said the premier had been ‘done up like a kipper’ amid massive concerns over the ground the UK has ceded in return for smoother trade – and how much it will cost taxpayers. Boris Johnson derided the Labour leader as the EU’s ‘gimp’.

    Kemi Badenoch – I am gobsmacked by sell out deal

    Labour’s deal is taking the UK back to the past, Kemi Badenoch has said.

    Speaking at a press conference in central London, the Conservative leader argued against Sir Keir Starmer’s insistence that the UK now had to move forward after Brexit.

    He’s the one who’s taking us backwards. We left the European Union. That was settled, we drew a line under that. This deal is taking us to the past and that is why we call it surrender.

    Mrs Badenoch suggested Labour’s deal had broken her five tests on maintaining the UK’s Brexit freedoms.

    Dame Priti Patel – Starmer has betrayed Britain and Brexit

    Labour has ‘betrayed Brexit and Britain’, shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said.

    Speaking at a central London press conference, the frontbench Tory said:

    At every step, let’s be very clear about this, Keir Starmer and Labour, they opposed Brexit and they spent their time trying to undermine all of that, and today’s surrender summit has seen the UK go back under the thumb of Brussels.

    Today, Labour and Keir Starmer betrayed Brexit and Britain, and the 17 million people who voted to take up control, and that’s happened in less than 10 months.

    He has now put his foot on the accelerator to put Britain back on the road to state-sponsored control by Brussels.

    Boris Johnson brands Keir Starmer’s UK-EU deal an ‘appalling sell out’

    Former prime minister Boris Johnson has denounced Keie Starmer as the ‘gimp of Brussels’ after what he described was an ‘appalling sell out of a deal’ with the EU.

    Johnson, who championed leaving the EU before he became PM on a promise to ‘get Brexit done’, said the agreement meant Britain ‘will lose much of our freedom to do proper free trade deals’.

    Labour reopens Britain’s borders to the EU with ‘youth experience’ scheme

    Sir Keir Starmer today agreed to a ‘youth experience’ scheme with the EU that could allow thousands of 18 to 35-year-olds to come to Britain to live and work each year.

    As part of his post-Brexit ‘reset’ deal with Brussels, the Prime Minister said his Labour Government would continue talks over relaxing visa rules.

    EU member states had demanded a youth mobility scheme in exchange for Sir Keir’s desire for closer defence and trade ties with the bloc.

    Following a UK-EU summit in London this morning, it was announced that both sides would ‘co-operate futher’ on establishing such a scheme.

    A document outlining the PM’s deal said the UK and EU had agreed ‘it is in the mutual interest to deepen our people-to-people ties, particularly for the younger generation’.

    Starmer says he wants Brits to use e-Gates ‘as soon as possible’

    Keir Starmer visits HMS Sutherland with EU chiefs

    (left to right) European Council President Antonio Costa, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to HMS Sutherland in central London, following the UK-EU Summit. British travellers will be able to use e-gates in Europe, pet passports will be introduced for UK cats and dogs and businesses can sell burgers and sausages into the EU again as part of Sir Keir Starmer's "reset" deal with Brussels, No10 said. Picture date: Monday May 19, 2025. PA Photo. Sir Keir Starmer said the agreement with the EU was about "building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest". See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

    Starmer has said he wanted UK holidaymakers to be able to use e-gates in EU countries ‘as soon as possible’.

    I want it done as soon as possible and that’s why I urge EU member states now to do it, and we will be pressing hard on that … there’s no inhibition on this, so I want to see it done quickly.

    Any ‘commission-based reason’ not to has been ‘knocked away by this agreement’, he said.

    For holidaymakers wanting to get out this summer they will want to know that they can do so easily and without delay and chaos.

    Lib Dems – EU benefits could have been up to ten times greater

    The Liberal Democrats have said the Government could have shown more ‘ambition’ to receive more economic benefits from the European Union in its response to Starmer’s deal.

    Downing Street has claimed the deal will boost the economy by £9 billion by 2040 – adding 0.2 per cent to the UK’s GDP.

    In response, Daisy Cooper, the party’s Treasury spokesperson, said:

    This agreement marks a first step towards addressing the damage done by the Conservatives. But with more ambition, the economic benefits of today’s deal could have been up to ten times greater, even within the government’s existing red lines.

    The government has got to show far more ambition if we are to truly unlock the benefits of a renewed relationship with our European partners for communities across the UK.

    It’s time to be bold, and build on these first steps. Liberal Democrats will continue to push the government to break away from the divisions of the past, using today’s agreement as a stepping stone towards a new bespoke Customs Union. This would unlock vital new opportunities for British businesses and boost our economy in a meaningful and lasting way.

    DAN HODGES: Brexit is dead – now senior minister reveals truth on Surrender Summit

    *This article is available only to Mail + readers – to subscribe click here*

    ‘It’s time to look forward – to move on from the stale old political fights and to find common sense, practical solutions that improve the lives of British people,’ Keir Starmer declared as he announced the successful completion of his EU ‘Surrender Summit’.

    To his credit, he managed to refrain from the saying what he privately wanted to say. ‘Brexit is dead.’

    Because it is. The war that has raged for the best part of a decade between ‘The Leavers’ and ‘The Remainers’ – reducing British politics to rubble in the process – is now officially over.

    Ten benefits on the UK-EU deal, according to Keir Starmer

    The Prime Minister has listed what he is describing as benefits for people in Britain following his deal with the European Union announced earlier today.

    You deserve better than the last government’s deal. It wasn’t working for anyone. Here’s 10 ways today’s deal with the EU will benefit Britain.

    • Lower food prices at the checkout

    By making food and agriculture trade with the EU cheaper and easier, we’re bringing down food prices, giving shoppers more choice, and putting more money in your pocket.

    • Driving down energy bills

    The agreement negotiated by the previous government damaged our energy security. This government is increasing our cooperation on energy to bring bills down in the long term.

    The previous deal left a huge gap in our ability to work together to tackle illegal migration and smash the criminal gangs putting people on small boats. Today we close that gap.

    • Shorter queues when you go holiday

    Instead of waiting in long queues at passport control, Brits travelling to Europe will now be able to use e-Gates. Getting you on holiday faster.

    • A more secure Britain, with more jobs in our defence industry

    In an era of global instability, our new defence and security partnership will delivery security at home and strength abroad.

    • UK businesses save millions

    With more cooperation on emissions trading, UK businesses will no longer have to pay £800 million in carbon taxes.

    We’re saving the industry £25m each year by protecting our steel exports from new EU tariffs.

    • Protecting our access, rights and fishing areas

    With no increase in the amount that EU vessels can catch in British waters, fewer costs and less red tape. And to make the most of this deal we’re investing £360 million into our fishing industry to drive growth and jobs.

    • Combatting terrorism and serious organised crime

    With more cooperation on law enforcement, we’ll work closer with the EU with the sharing of intelligence, including facial recognition data for the first time.

    • This deal is good for bills, good for jobs, and good for our borders

    We rolled up our sleeves to deliver what the last government couldn’t.

    Analysis: Starmer rolls the dice with EU détente

    LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: European Council President Antonio Costa (L), UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C) and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen (R) attend a press conference at the UK-EU summit at Lancaster House on May 19, 2025 in London, England. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting leaders from the  European Union for the first UK-EU Summit since Britain's withdrawal from the EU in January 2020, to discuss plans for resetting the UK's relationship with the bloc. The Labour government has said it will deliver a stronger partnership with the EU, "strengthening our alliances and closing deals in the interests of British people." According to the European Council, the meeting will also be an opportunity for the leaders to reaffirm a joint commitment to peace and security in Europe. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

    by James Tapsfield, MailOnline Political Editor

    With his dour manner and lawyerly delivery, Keir Starmer certainly doesn’t come across as a risk-taker.

    But he has taken a fairly hefty political gamble today as he struggles to get the economy firing.

    The PM has placed a huge bet that Brits have moved on from Brexit – at least enough to wear some deep concessions to Brussels.

    Sacrificing fishing rights to France is a bitter pill, as are taking some of the bloc’s rules and paying unspecified sums into EU coffers. Sir Keir has also potentially blunted his immigration crackdown by committing to a youth mobility scheme.

    He hopes those surrenders will be sweetened by the boost to trade, the ability to pitch for huge EU defence contracts, and easier passage for Brits (and their pets) at continental borders.

    However, those benefits could be marginal, and will likely take time to be felt.

    The example of Rishi Sunak might give Sir Keir cause for concern. Downing Street was cock-a-hoop when the former PM struck the Windsor Framework deal to launch a détente with the EU.

    But the cruel reality was that the public barely noticed the effects. And just over a year later voters swept him out of office.

    What Starmer’s Brexit ‘surrender’ deal means for Britain

    If you’re just joining us, we’ve been providing updates on the UK-EU deal announced at the first summit between both sides in London today.

    Keir Starmer, European Union Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa have just held a press conference following the ‘landmark’ agreement.

    In case you’ve missed it, here’s what the deal means for Britain:

    EU chief – Chance of UK joining customs union ‘in the past’

    The prospect of Britain rejoining the customs union at some point in the future is ‘in the past’, according to European Council President Antonio Costa.

    Asked if he wanted to see Britain back in the union in his lifetime, Mr Costa insisted they were instead looking ahead.

    This is the past. Now with Keir Starmer we are turning the page. Look at the future, we are closing the gaps, but building on a new strategic partnership.

    A very ambitious road map not to return to the single market, not to return to the customs union but to do better together as neighbours, partners, allies and friends.

    The press conference has now concluded.

    Starmer – EU youth scheme will not be uncapped

    Starmer has been asked about a possible youth mobility scheme and confirms it will not be ‘uncapped’ when an agreement is reached.

    Negotiators for both the UK and EU have agreed to general wording that leaves them able to negotiate the details.

    Starmer said the scheme would provide ‘great opportunities’ for young people in Britain and across Europe.

    It is time-limited, the number is to be agreed so it’s not an uncapped scheme and it’s to be a visa scheme.

    Starmer – Gaza crisis is intolerable

    Starmer said the situation in Gaza, where aid imports remain limited and an evacuation order has been issued for its second-largest city Khan Younis, was ‘really serious, unacceptable, intolerable’.

    Meanwhile Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was ‘unacceptable’ and called for aid to reach civilians in the Palestinian territory immediately.

    For two months now, no humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza. Aid must reach civilians in need immediately and the blockade on Gaza must be lifted now.

    Starmer – Most of those complaining did so before knowing single word of deal

    The Prime Minister has said most people complaining about his deal with the EU did no ‘before they knew one single word’ of what it says.

    Asked whether he was ‘backsliding on Brexit’, Starmer insisted his deal was ‘balanced’ with ‘huge benefits’ for the UK.

    As you’ll see, supermarkets are already coming out saying how much they support the deal because they know what this means in terms of the SPS agreement for the prices in the supermarkets.

    • SPS refers to sanitary and phytosanitary, which refers to rules about animals and food to protect health

    Starmer insists EU deal is ‘incredibly important’ for fish

    Starmer has described the UK-EU deal as ‘incredibly important’ for fish after he was asked whether he had sold out fishermen following the agreement.

    The Prime Minister said the ‘driving principles’ behind the deal is focused on bringing down bills, creating jobs and securing Britain’s borders.

    He said the partnership would slash red tape for businesses and is ‘incredibly important’ for fish because over 70% of the UK’s seafood goes into the European market.

    So for the first time, under this arrangement, our fishing communities are able to sell more easily into the European markets.

    Starmer – Time to move on from stale debates and political fights

    Starmer has hailed the new security deal with the EU as ‘vital in this new era’ as he reeled off what he described as the benefits of the deal.

    It’s a long list, it shows just how much we’ve achieved here today – real benefits for the British people.

    It’s time to look forward, its time to move on from stale old debates and political fights, to focus on delivering common sense, practical solutions that get the best for the British people.

    Starmer – Britain is back on the world stage

    Starmer is now speaking and starts by saying Britain is ‘back on the world stage’ following a ‘landmark’ deal with the EU.

    He says the UK has struck its third trade deal in two weeks after reaching agreements with India and the US.

    He told the press conference:

    From that position of strength, today we have delivered this landmark deal with the EU – a new partnership between an independent Britain and our partners in Europe.

    This deal is a win-win, it delivers what the British public voted for last year, it gives us unprecedented access to the European market. This deal is good for both sides.

    Starmer – We’re putting money back in your pocket

    Starmer has said the deal with the EU will help people put money back into their pockets after the UK struck a third trade agreement following deals with India and the US.

    Von der Leyen – First UK-EU summit is ‘historic’ moment

    European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said it was a ‘historic moment’.

    Speaking alongside Sir Keir Starmer at the summit in Lancaster House, she said:

    We are turning a page. We are opening a new chapter in our unique relationship.

    It was a story of ‘natural partners standing side-by-side on the global stage’, she said.

    EU chief hails Starmer’s ‘instrumental’ leadership

    European Council President Antonio Costa has praised Keir Starmer’s ‘instrumental’ leadership after a deal was struck between the EU and UK.

    Costa said he wanted to thank Starmer for the ‘new tone’ in the relationship between Britain and the European Union following Brexit.

    He said the UK and EU are stronger when together and agree in free trade as the ‘engine of prosperity’.

    Starmer holding press conference following UK-EU summit

    Keir Starmer is about to speak at a press conference with EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

    We will bring you the key lines as and when we can.

    Starmer claims post-Brexit ‘reset’ will boost economy by £9 billion

    Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives to attend the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House on May 19, 2025 in London, England.  Carl Court/Pool via REUTERS

    Starmer has claimed his post-Brexit ‘reset’ will cut red tape for travellers and businesses, boosting the economy by £9 billion by 2040.

    Under the deal struck with Brussels, more tourists will be able to use e-gates at airports in Europe, pet passports will be introduced for UK cats and dogs and businesses can sell burgers and sausages into the bloc again.

    But the Prime Minister faced accusations of betraying Brexit over the extension of fishing rights for European vessels for a further 12 years and closer ties to EU rules.

    Measures agreed today include:

    • A 12-year extension of fishing arrangements when the current deal ends, allowing European vessels to operate in UK waters under the same terms until 2038.
    • An open-ended new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement to slash red tape on food and drink exports and imports between the UK and EU.
    • Some routine checks on plant and animal products will be removed completely and British burgers and sausages will once more be allowed into the EU.
    • Linking UK and EU emissions-trading schemes which will mean British firms will not be hit by Brussels’ carbon tax next year.
    • A security and defence partnership will pave the way for UK arms firms to bid for work under the EU’s proposed new £150 billion security action for Europe (Safe) fund.
    • The UK and EU have agreed to co-operate on a “youth experience scheme”, but British officials insisted numbers would be capped and stays would be time-limited.
    • British steel exports will be protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs, saving the beleaguered industry £25 million.

    Watch live: Starmer and Von der Leyen hold press conference after UK-EU summit

    Starmer’s fishy deal in full: Details of the UK-EU reset

    Keir Starmer ignited a major new Brexit row today as he signed a new deal with the EU that brings Britain back closer to the bloc.

    The Prime Minister was accused of ‘surrender’ by hardliners after it emerged it includes allowing EU fishing boats, mainly from France and the Netherlands, to trawl UK waters for a further 12 years.

    The current deal agreed by Boris Johnson expires in 2026 but under the terms of the deal approved today they will now be allowed in to take fish until 2038.

    See details of the Prime Minister’s deal here:

    British travellers to use eGates with less restrictions on animals

    British holidaymakers will be able to use more eGates in the EU and pets will be able to travel more easily under the Brexit reset deal.

    At the moment, EU citizens can use e-Gates in the UK – but British passport holders cannot use European e-Gates, aside from a limited number of airports in Spain and Portugal.

    The changes will come into effect after the introduction of the ‘European Union Entry/Exit System’ which aims to make border checks in the Schengen area more secure.

    The new system is expected to start in October 2025, but it is not clear how long after this that Britons will be able to start using e-Gates.

    Ministers hope holidaymakers will benefit from reduced queues at border control as a result of the changes.

    The agreement will also enable pets 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.

    Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said the announcement was ‘a significant breakthrough for British travellers’.

    UK to follow EU farming rules ‘to make food cheaper’

    sausages, breakfast sausages, hot dog sausages, Italian sausage, mini pork sausages

    Britain has agreed to follow EU food and farming rules forever in return for cuts in red tape which ministers say will cut prices in supermarkets.

    The new deal will tear up most of the EU food and farming checks imposed after Brexit, ending the so-called ‘sausage wars’ which made it hard for British food producers to export to the continent.

    British checks on EU food will also be reduced in a move which No 10 said would ‘make food cheaper’.

    In return, the UK will have to follow almost all EU rules on food and farming standards. Controversially, this will include adopting new EU laws in the sector in future. This so-called ‘dynamic alignment’ will make the UK a ‘rule taker’, undermining one of the key principles of Brexit that the UK should set its own laws.

    Britain will also have to accept the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in settling any disputes.

    And the UK has agreed to make an ‘appropriate financial contribution’ to the EU budget to help cover the cost of relevant Brussels agencies.

    The move is likely to be welcomed by food producers who have faced a blizzard of red tape since Brexit. It will also ease the rules on sending food produce from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

    Downing Street said the deal, couple with an agreement on carbon emissions, could eventually be worth £9 billion to the economy.

    Deal opens door to free movement for young adults

    The leaked text of the deal states it is ‘in the mutual interest’ to ‘deepen our people-to-people ties, particularly for the younger generation’.

    It proposes a ‘youth experience scheme’ so that young people can move between the EU and UK for ‘such as work, studies, au-pairing, volunteering, or simply travelling’.

    There will be a ‘dedicated visa path’ and participants would only be allowed to live overseas ‘for a limited period of time’, while the numbers involved would have to be ‘acceptable to both sides’.

    But there is no more detail with ‘terms to be agreed’ between the two sides at a later date.

    There is no mention of an exact limit on numbers arriving but Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds assured LBC this morning: ‘There is a cap on all of these schemes.’

    He pointed out that only 24,000 visas were issued by the UK last year across the 13 existing exchange schemes with countries around the world including Australia.

    UK and EU announce new defence partnership

    Babcock - Swiftsure in dock at Rosyth

    Britain and the EU have today agreed a new security and defence partnership that will open up a major EU rearmament investment scheme to UK firms.

    The Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative has been set up by Brussels following Donald Trump’s threats to scrap American security guarantees for the continent.

    The multi-billion fund will allow EU member states to take out loans for weapons from funds raised against the EU budget.

    But there are strict rules on where arms can be purchased from, with initial fears that British defence firms would be excluded from the fund.

    France was leading efforts to keep UK firms like Babcock out, or at least limit the extent its firms could bid, as it seeks to protect its own companies.

    France was leading efforts to keep the UK out, or at least limit the extent its firms could bid, as it seeks to protect its own companies.

    Some fear the Defence and Security Partnership could mean British servicemen taking part in EU civilian and military operations.

    And a diplomatic source yesterday told The Mail on Sunday Britain could have to pay ‘hundreds of millions’ for access.

    Downing Street announces first details of UK-EU deal

    British travellers will be able to use e-gates in Europe, pet passports will be introduced for UK cats and dogs and businesses can sell burgers and sausages into the EU again as part of Sir Keir Starmer’s ‘reset’ deal with Brussels, No10 said.

    What Starmer said at UK-EU summit

    LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy listen during the first UK-EU Summit since Britain's withdrawal from the EU in January 2020, to discuss plans for resetting the UK's relationship with the bloc, on May 19, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. The Labour government has said it will deliver a stronger partnership with the EU, "strengthening our alliances and closing deals in the interests of British people." According to the European Council, the meeting will also be an opportunity for the leaders to reaffirm a joint commitment to peace and security in Europe. (Photo by Kin Cheung - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

    We’ve now received more comments remarks from Keir Starmer at the UK-EU summit at Lancaster House.

    The Prime Minister said the summit was about ‘moving on from stale old debates’ and ‘following through on what the British public voted for last year’.

    This is the first UK-EU summit, and it marks a new era in our relationship. It’s really good that we’re able to meet around this table for this summit, the first of what will be of many summits as we progress through this new era.

    We on this side are following through on what the British public voted for last year and the mission of this government to deliver security and renewal for our country and improve the lives of working people in uncertain times – a new era for defence, security and trade.

    We will do that by strengthening our relationships with allies around the world, including, of course, with Europe. So that is what today is all about, moving on from stale old debates, looking forward, not backwards, focusing on what we can do together to deliver in the national interest.

    I want to thank the negotiating teams on both sides, and I want to thank all of you for your engagement on this. The documents that we have before us today represent a strong package that will benefit all of our peoples. We must now move swiftly together on the detailed work to make these plans a reality.

    What will be signed between the UK and EU today?

    LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy listen to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, right, and European Council President Antonio Costa, left, during the first UK-EU Summit since Britain's withdrawal from the EU in January 2020, to discuss plans for resetting the UK's relationship with the bloc, on May 19, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. The Labour government has said it will deliver a stronger partnership with the EU, "strengthening our alliances and closing deals in the interests of British people." According to the European Council, the meeting will also be an opportunity for the leaders to reaffirm a joint commitment to peace and security in Europe. (Photo by Kin Cheung - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

    We’re expecting a number of agreements to be reached today.

    The two sides will likely ink the ‘Security and Defence Partnership’ – arguably the highlight of today’s sit-down between Starmer and von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and chief diplomat Kaja Kallas.

    Two other documents are set to be signed – a joint statement of European solidarity from the EU-UK leaders’ summit and a Common Understanding on topics from trade to fishing and youth mobility.

    Under the final agreement, Britain will keep its waters open for European fishermen for 12 years after the current deal expires in 2026, in return for the 27-nation bloc indefinitely easing red tape on food imports from the UK, diplomats said.

    On youth mobility, negotiators agreed to general wording that leaves the haggling for later.

    The issue is another main source of friction, with London fearing any youth mobility scheme could spell a return to freedom of movement between the EU and the UK.

    And Starmer, who has vowed to battle rising irregular immigration, is approaching the issue cautiously amid soaring support for Nigel Farage’s hard-right anti-immigration and Eurosceptic party Reform UK.

    Pictures: Starmer hosts UK-EU summit in London

    Here are the latest photographs we can show you from Lancaster House where Keir Starmer is hosting a UK-EU summit.

    Talks are taking place following a post-Brexit agreement between the UK and EU to reset relations following Brexit.

    We’re expecting a press conference at about 12:30pm.

    Britain?s Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa, during a meeting between the U.K. and the European Union to discuss closer ties in their first official summit since Brexit, in London, Britain, May 19, 2025.    Kin Cheung/Pool via REUTERS
    Britain?s Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa, during a meeting between the U.K. and the European Union to discuss closer ties in their first official summit since Brexit, in London, Britain, May 19, 2025.    Kin Cheung/Pool via REUTERS
    Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a meeting between the U.K. and the European Union to discuss closer ties in their first official summit since Brexit, in London, Monday, May 19, 2025.(AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)

    Scottish fishermen brand deal a ‘horror show’

    The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation insisted that the new deal ‘is a horror show for Scottish fishermen’.

    Meanwhile, the Scottish Scottish Government criticised UK ministers for the inclusion of fisheries – an area where responsibility is devolved to Holyrood – in the agreement without its approval on this.

    Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson blasted the UK for having agreed a fisheries deal in principle ‘without any recourse, involvement or approval of devolved administrations”’.

    He insisted that Scottish ministers had received no documentation on this in advance from their UK counterparts – as he questioned whether Labour’s promised ‘reset’ of relations between Westminster and the devolved administrations had been achieved.

    Scottish Government received no documentation or draft proposals in advance. I asked UK minister last week for this. Nothing received. Reset?

    Starmer hails ‘new era’ in UK-EU relationship

    Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, third right, during a meeting between the U.K. and the European Union to discuss closer ties in their first official summit since Brexit, in London, Monday, May 19, 2025.(AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)

    In his opening remarks at the UK-EU summit, Starmer hailed a ‘new strategic partnership’ with the European Union five years after Britain left the 27-country bloc.

    He said it ‘marks a new era in our relationship… We are agreeing a new strategic partnership fit for our times, providing real, tangible benefits.’

    Von der Leyen – We’ve got real chance to turn the page

    EU Comission President Urusla von der Leyen has said today marks a ‘real chance’ to turn the page on Britain’s relationship with the European Union.

    She posted on her X account shortly after meeting Keir Starmer at a summit in London where details of a new deal will be announced.

    Fishing, food and defence: Everything we know about the Brexit ‘reset’ deal

    European fishing vessels will be given a further 12 years of access to British waters as part of Sir Keir Starmer’s ‘reset’ with Brussels.

    A late-night deal was struck with the European Union ahead of today’s major summit with Brussels chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa.

    The agreement means European vessels will enjoy the same post-Brexit access they have had until 2038, 12 years after the current arrangement expires.

    Other issues under discussion included defence and security and deals on allowing British travellers to use e-gates at European airports.

    MailOnline has looked at what we know so far:

    What is happening with e-gates?

    EU - Schengen Zone Countries and Non-EU countries Passport control at the Greek capital, Athens International Airport ATH LGAV in Greece, on July 28, 2020.  There are gates with visible symbols, signs, flags and inscription of EU - Schengen zone countries. Greece lifted coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic travel ban restrictions gradually to jumpstart the tourism industry and summer season but with many testing units at the country's entry points and obligatory quarantine to passenger from high-risk countries. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

    The deal between the UK and EU is expected to mean British travellers can use e-gates at European airports, which aims to ensure tourists no longer face huge queues when arriving on holiday.

    While this agreement is set to be approved by Brussels, it will then be up to individual EU countries to bring in the policy.

    Watch: Starmer asked ‘have you sold out the fish?’

    Keir Starmer has been asked whether he has ‘sold out the fish’ amid reports of a late concession to the EU over access to fishing in British waters.

    EU fishing boats will be guaranteed access to UK waters on the current terms for 12 years, after the French mounted a last-minute ambush demanding longer guarantees.

    Ministers are due to announce a £360million fund to help appease furious coastal communities.

    But Kemi Badenoch pointed out that 12 years of fishing rights would be three times longer than the government originally wanted. ‘We’re becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again,’ she warned.

    Nigel Farage said it would be ‘the end of the fishing industry’.

    Under the terms of Boris Johnson’s 2020 Brexit deal, the EU gave up 25 per cent of its fishing quotas – phased up to 2026.

    From next year there were due to be annual negotiations, which the UK fishing industry hoped would provide leverage to restore its hold.

    However, quotas could now be frozen until at least 2038.

    Main points of Starmer’s Brexit ‘reset’

    epa12116011 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives at Lancaster House for the UK - EU Summit in London, Britain, 19 May 2025.  EPA/NEIL HALL / POOL

    Here’s what we understand will be included in the deal between the UK and EU at today’s summit in London:

    • Status quo access to UK fishing waters until June 2038
    • Checks on British lorries taking food to the continent lifted permanently
    • UK accepting ‘dynamic’ alignment with food rules
    • Britain to join Erasmus+ scheme and have talks on ‘youth mobility’ scheme
    • Brit travellers able to use e-gates at European airports
    • British firms get access to huge EU defence contracts fund, in return for payments
    • A Security and Defence Partnership

    Starmer and Von der Leyen meet outside Lancaster House

    ursula von der leyen Keir Starmer

    Starmer and Euorpean Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have greeted one another outside Lancaster House as the UK-EU summit gets under way.

    We’re expecting to receive details of the deal agreed between Britain and the European Union and a press conference to take place later.

    Von der Leyen was joined by António Costa, the head of the European Council

    Stick with us for the latest updates throughout the day.

    Starmer wants to move on from ‘stale’ Brexit debates – but at what price?

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives to attend the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House, in central London. Picture date: Monday May 19, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Henry Nicholls/PA Wire

    Ahead of arriving at Lancaster House this morning, Starmer said he wanted to ‘move on’ from the ‘stale’ political debates over Brexit.

    However, concerns are running high over the price that the UK has had to pay in return for smoother trade.

    EU fishing boats will be guaranteed access to UK waters on the current terms for 12 years, after the French mounted a last-minute ambush demanding longer guarantees. Ministers are due to announce a £360million fund to help appease furious coastal communities.

    Sir Keir is also expected to sign the UK up to the Erasmus+ scheme, although he could stop short of immediately confirming a ‘youth mobility’ arrangement giving millions of Europeans rights to live, study and work here for up to three years.

    In return, the deal would see checks on lorries taking food to the continent lifted permanently – ending the so-called ‘sausage wars – but the UK will have to obey some Brussels rules.

    Defence firms will also gain access to a £126billion EU-wide weapons fund, although British taxpayers face having to pay millions for the privilege.

    Brit tourists are set to be spared queues when travelling to the continent, with permission to use e-gates at European airports. And ministers have hinted that red tape on taking pets abroad could be eased.

    Some of the issues are likely to be fudged, with commitments to keep talking and finalise details later.

    Breaking:Starmer arrives for UK-EU summit

    Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives to attend the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House in London on May 19, 2025. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts European Union chiefs on Monday for a landmark summit designed to usher in a closer relationship between Britain and the bloc, five years after Brexit. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

    Keir Starmer has arrived at Lancaster House for the UK-EU summit as he prepares to unveil Britain’s post-Brexit ‘reset’ with the European Union.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived shortly after.

    Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray stood outside the venue playing music as they entered.

    Rachel Reeves – Deal will bring good jobs to our country

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves has described the UK’s post-Brexit deal with the EU has a ‘really big day’ which will help bring good jobs to the country.

    Hosting a reception for business owners in Number 11 this morning, Ms Reeves said:

    A couple of weeks ago we secured really ground breaking trade agreements with both India and the United States, so we have some of the best trading relationships with those countries of any country in the world.

    But our biggest trading partners are our friends in the European Union, and for too long it’s been too difficult to export, to bring in talent, to trade with our nearest neighbours. That’s not good enough.

    The deal today is about bringing more good jobs to our country, it’s about reducing prices in the shops for consumers and crucially its about our defence partnership with our allies.

    Tory peer – Describing EU deal as surrender is ‘pathetic’

    Conservative peer Lord Rose said the Government’s deal with the EU was a ‘win’ and describing as a surrender is ‘pathetic’.

    The former chairman of Marks & Spencer told Times Radio:

    It has to be a win… it’s five years since we did the deal in 2020. But in reality, look what has happened in the world since then. There’s been massive global change. And the UK is finding itself increasingly stranded now. And we’ve got to find a role for ourselves.

    No it’s nonsense. I really am quite disappointed and sad that I live in a country, you know, I am a Conservative, although I am not a politically active Conservative, I’m not a politician.

    But to hear that the Conservatives are saying we must be rule givers and not rule takers. It’s about giving a bit, taking a bit, and understanding this is a very difficult, unpleasant world we live in. And we’ve got to make sure that for the UK public and for the UK, we do our best. That’s what we elect our politicians to do. That’s what I expect them to do. And talking about small things like surrender is pathetic.

    What we know about the UK-EU summit in London

    epa12115887 Lancaster House where the EU - UK Summit will take place in London, Britain, 19 May 2025.  EPA/NEIL HALL / POOL

    At around 10:15am, the EU’s top diplomats and Keir Starmer are expected to convene at Lancaster House to sign a deal intended to ‘reset’ relations following the UK’s withdrawal from Brexit.

    Starmer has said he wants a closer relationship with Britain’s biggest trading partner without rejoining the 27-nation bloc following a divisive referendum in 2016 in which the country voted to leave.

    The government insist the deal will help reduce bills for UK consumers and increase border security but critics argue the UK is ceding sovereignty by agreeing to abide by EU rules once again.

    Starmer will host the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

    We are expecting a press conference at around 12:30pm.

    Nigel Farage – UK-EU deal will ‘end fishing industry’

    Reform leader Nigel Farage has said the UK-EU deal will mark the ‘end of the fishing industry’ following reports European trawlers will be allowed to use British waters for 12 years.

    It comes after Ms Badenoch said details of the deal were ‘very concerning’ ahead of a summit in London this morning.

    ‘Total capitulation’: Tory MPs react to UK-EU fishing deal

    Conservatives have reacted furiously to reports the UK will allow the EU to fish in British waters for 12 years as details of the upcoming deal emerged.

    Andrew Bowie, who was interviewed earlier on BBC Breakfast, posted on X:

    If it is true that Labour has surrendered British waters to the EU until 2038, that is worse than a surrender, it is a total capitulation.

    While Harriet Cross, MP for Gordon and Buchan, added:

    If this morning’s reports are true that Labour have given the EU access to UK fishing waters until 2038, this isn’t a just a betrayal, it’s a complete abandonment of our fishing fleets.

    LEO MCKINSTRY: Why Starmer’s deal could leave Britain trapped in the worst of all worlds

    *this article is available only to Mail + readers – to subscribe click here*

    Almost a decade ago, the British people voted decisively to take back control from Brussels. Now Keir Starmer is seeking to put the EU back in charge.

    He is doing so without any mandate, and in direct contradiction of previous pledges given to the public. Nowhere is this more true than on the issue of immigration.

    Last week, the Prime Minister launched his new, supposedly tougher approach to border controls – so tough in its language that some on the Left accused him of adopting the rhetoric of Enoch Powell.

    Kemi Badenoch describes UK-EU fishing deal as ‘very concerning’

    Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has reacted as it emerges a 12-year deal has been reached to allow EU boats to fish in UK waters.

    Ms Badenoch said the access is three times longer than the government wanted and that the development, reported to be a concession, is ‘very concerning’.

    Business Secretary hints youth mobility scheme will be capped

    FILE PHOTO: Britain's Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds walks at Downing Street, on the day of a Cabinet meeting in London, Britain, January 7, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo

    In a round of interviews this morning, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds refused to confirm whether the deal has been finalised, but said there is a ‘real prize’ for the country.

    Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Reynolds said:

    The current deal has huge gaps in it, not just on areas to do with trade, but to do with security as well.

    So this is about making people better off, about making the country more secure, about making sure there are more jobs in the UK.

    He hinted that a youth mobility scheme would have a cap on numbers, insisting other existing arrangements were ‘limited’ and ‘targeted’.

    It’s not the kind of access people had when we were members of the European Union. I think last year, we issued, as a country about 24,000 visas for the various youth mobility schemes.

    So this is not immigration, it’s not freedom of movement. It’s something very different. Any scheme like this, if you look at the 13 we already have, they are capped, yes.

    Sky News is reporting that a deal has been agreed and approved by the EU ambassadors’ committee.

    The six key sticking points in the deal between the UK and the EU

    epa12064647 The EU flag flies outside the British parliament in London, Britain, 30 April 2025. The United States has warned that Britain's Brexit reset with the European Union (EU) may reduce the chance of a future trade deal with Washington.  EPA/ANDY RAIN

    As we wait on a final agreement between the EU and the UK, let’s take a look at what’s at stake in the deal and the sticking points between both sides:

    • Free movement for young Europeans

    The EU wants a youth-mobility scheme to give those aged 18 to 35 or so from across the bloc the right to live, work and study in Britain for three years.

    For months the UK denied this was a possibility. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is known to have opposed it because of the impact it would have on politically toxic immigration figures.

    But ministers belatedly admitted it was indeed on the table. They have insisted it does not constitute a return to ‘free movement’ and pointed out that the UK already has similar arrangements with other countries.

    • Cheaper fees for foreign students

    As a result of Brexit, undergraduates from EU countries studying at English universities are now charged uncapped international rates rather than the £9,250 tuition fees paid by domestic students. Senior figures in Brussels are said to have called for EU students to pay the lower fees once more.

    However, this would be a blow to university vice-chancellors, who have already seen crucial income from foreign students slashed because of last year’s visa restrictions.

    • Following EU rules… and judges

    One of Labour’s main demands in the talks has been to cut red tape for firms exporting food and animal products to the continent. Known as a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement, it should end most of the border checks that have held lorries up for as long as 16 hours on their way to the continent. Ministers hope this may lead to lower prices for shoppers. But it will also mean Britain must once more sign up to EU rules and update them as they change – so-called dynamic alignment – which ended with Brexit. Any disputes would again have to be resolved by the European Court of Justice.

    • French boats catching our fish

    Britain’s fishermen had hoped Brexit would mean they could reclaim UK waters, but under the original deal struck by the Conservatives, EU boats were granted continued access.

    This is due to end in 2026 and the EU has been arguing it should become permanent, with France even suggesting a ‘hard link’ between fishing rights and the UK’s access to defence contracts. The Tories say ministers must not agree to a lengthy deal that only benefits France.

    • British troops on Brussels missions

    Military co-operation was not a feature of the Brexit deal, but Labour wants a defence and security pact in its reset with Brussels. Ministers are keen for UK arms firms to gain access to the £126million Security Action for Europe fund, set up by Brussels to help EU nations spend more on weapons. A diplomatic source told The Mail on Sunday Britain could have to pay ‘hundreds of millions’ for access.

    Some fear the Defence and Security Partnership could mean British servicemen taking part in EU civilian and military operations.

    • Passport queues at EU airports

    Since Brexit, UK holidaymakers and business travellers have faced long waits at airport passport barriers because they could no longer queue with EU citizens. For frequent fliers it has been one of the most visible consequences of Brexit.

    Ministers want Brussels to let UK citizens use ‘e-gates’ reserved for EU passport holders, which would mean quicker transit times and a tangible sign of improved relations with the EU.

    How EU almost wrecked deal with last-gasp demand over fishing rights

    EMBARGOED TO 0001 SUNDAY MAY 18 File photo dated 01/02/24 of fishing boats in the harbour in Lerwick in Shetland. Scotland's fishing leaders have written to Sir Keir Starmer demanding that sovereign fishing rights are protected during key talks with the EU on Monday. Issue date: Sunday May 18, 2025. PA Photo. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) said that disadvantaging UK fleets would not be in the "national interest" and an imbalanced deal would represent "a sell-out and a betrayal of the Scottish fishing industry". See PA story SCOTLAND Fishing. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

    The European Union last night increased its demands over fishing rights last night, delaying the expected agreement of a deal with Britain.

    Led by France, the EU had called for a roll-over of the current five-year deal that grants its trawlermen access to UK coastal waters.

    But at the last minute the negotiators said the arrangement should last far longer in return for lifting existing post-Brexit checks on lorry loads of food and animal products being exported from Britain to the continent.

    One source told the Mail that the EU had suddenly asked for permanent access to British fish as a quid pro quo for Sir Keir Starmer being granted a so-called Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement that would see red tape for exporters lifted indefinitely.

    Another insider said Brussels had put an offer of ‘a decade of fish’ on the table – access to UK waters for ten years – in return for scrapping the lorry checks.

    The late intervention is believed to have threatened a delay in the agreement being signed today before it was reported this morning there had been an apparent breakthrough between the two sides.

    • Read more about Brussels late night demand here

    Top story: Starmer risks Brexit vote ‘betrayal’

    Here’s the front page story of today’s Daily Mail

    by Martin Beckford, Policy Editor

    Keir Starmer was last night warned he would betray Brexit if he agreed a deal that put the UK back under the control of the EU.

    The Prime Minister is today set to sign an agreement at what has been dubbed his ‘Surrender Summit’ that will mean Britain must once more follow EU laws and abide by its judges’ rulings.

    He is also poised to hand millions of young Europeans the right to live, study and work here for up to three years, risking his pledge to cut migration.

    And the PM – who backed Remain then campaigned for a second referendum to undo the Leave vote – is expected to ‘sell out’ Britain’s fishermen by allowing French boats continued access to UK coastal waters.

    Starmer to sign UK-EU ‘reset’ at London summit

    FILE PHOTO: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives at the 6th European Political Community summit at Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania May 16, 2025.  Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

    Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s live coverage as Keir Starmer hosts EU leaders in London ahead of an expected agreement between the UK and European Union

    The Prime Minister is set to sign an agreement at what has been dubbed his ‘Surrender Summit’ meaning Britain must once more follow EU laws and abide by its judges’ rulings.

    The deal is intended to be a ‘reset’ in relations between the UK and EU after Brexit covering topics including defence, trade, fishing, and a possible youth mobility scheme

    Talks were going down to the wire last night after the EU made surprise 11th-hour demands for the fishing rights to last a decade or more.

    Stick with us for the latest updates throughout the day plus analysis and reaction with reporting from our political journalists in Westminster and Jamie Bullen in London.

    Share or comment on this article:
    UK-EU summit: Starmer unveils post-Brexit ‘reset’ with deal struck on food and e-gates but is accused of betrayal over handing Brussels fishing rights for 12 YEARS





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