CliffNotes
- Breakthrough in UK-EU talks mostly concerning fishing rights
- The UK-EU summit is intended to “reset” relations
- Topics include defence, trade, fishing, and a possible youth mobility scheme
- PM is to host a summit of EU leaders in London
Breakthrough in UK-EU talks ahead of London summit
What Happened
The UK and EU agreed a new 10-year fishing deal, giving EU boats continued access to British waters, in a major breakthrough, years after Britain left the EU. The agreement was seen as key to unlocking progress in wider trade discussions.
As part of the summit, both sides moved towards reducing post-Brexit trade barriers, especially on food and agricultural products. Plans are being discussed to ease checks and simplify rules.
The idea of restoring a youth mobility scheme was also raised. The EU is pushing for it, and while the UK has not committed, it has softened its previous opposition.
The UK is also seeking a new security and defence partnership with the EU. This could include access to the EU’s €150bn SAFE defence fund and deeper cooperation on foreign policy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer made clear that this reset is not about rejoining the EU, but building a closer, more stable relationship after years of friction.
What Next
Further technical talks are expected in the coming weeks to finalise agreements on trade, mobility, and defence. Any formal changes will likely be announced later this summer.
The future of a youth mobility scheme remains uncertain. The UK has said it is open to “sensible proposals,” but no deal has been made.
Domestically, reaction is mixed. Some MPs support the reset, while others warn against drifting too close to the EU. Polls suggest most of the public supports closer ties, though not EU membership.
Despite the shift in tone, the government has ruled out rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union.
Media Reaction
The Daily Mail calls it a “surrender agreement” – the paper says it means Britain will “once more follow laws and abide by its judges’ rulings.”
BBC News says EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds confirmed the UK is pushing for UK passport holders to use EU e-gates.
LBC says the breakthrough – which came around 10:30 pm last night – “was mostly concerned with fishing rights.” Nick Thomas-Symonds, leading the negotiations, told LBC that a deal could give the UK the “tools to tackle illegal migration”, create growth and get the economy moving. He accused Brexiteers against a deal of “defending a status quo that is not working in the best interests of the British people.”