Cliff Notes
- The UK and EU have reached a new trade deal after extensive negotiations, with key provisions including improved travel for British passport holders and the reinstatement of pet passports for easier pet travel.
- A new SPS agreement aims to reduce bureaucracy for importing and exporting food and drink, potentially lowering prices and increasing availability while allowing previously banned British foods back into the EU market.
- The deal includes enhanced cooperation on defence and security, as well as commitments to tackle illegal migration and discussions on a youth mobility scheme and potential participation in the EU’s internal electricity market.
UK-EU trade deal: What is in the Brexit reset agreement? | Politics News
The UK and the EU have agreed a new trade deal – five years after Brexit kicked in.
Following six months of talks after Sir Keir Starmer promised a fresh deal when he became prime minister last July, the two sides have come to an agreement.
Starmer says ‘Britain is back’
Here are the details:
eGates
British passport holders will be able to use more eGates in Europe to avoid the long border control queues that have become the norm since Brexit in many EU countries.
Pet travel
Pet passports will be brought back so cats and dogs coming from the UK will no longer need pricey animal health certificates for every trip. After Brexit, pet owners had to get a certificate from a vet in the UK then a vet in the EU before returning.
Red tape on food and drink sales
A new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal has been agreed to reduce red tape currently needed to import and export food and drink between the UK and the EU.
There is no time limit to this part of the deal, which the government says will reduce the burden on businesses and reduce lorry queues at the border.
The “vast majority” of routine checks and certificates for animal and plant products will be removed completely, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The government says this could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves.
Some British foods that have been prevented from being sold in the EU since Brexit will be allowed back in again, including burgers and sausages.
Fishing rights
The current fishing deal agreed in 2020 will continue for 12 years.
There will be no increase in fish quotas.
EU fishing vessels can fish in UK waters, but they require a valid licence, and there are annual negotiations on access and share of stock.
The UK government has announced a £360m investment into the fishing industry to go towards new technology and equipment to modernise the fleet, train the workforce, help revitalise coastal communities, support tourism and boost seafood exports.
Defence
A new security and defence partnership has been agreed so the UK defence industry can participate in the EU’s plan for a £150bn defence fund called Security Action for Europe (SAFE). This will support thousands of British jobs.
The UK and EU will also enhance cooperation over maritime security and accident reporting.
