The UK and EU Agree Historic Post-Brexit Reset in Late Night Talks
After a “late breakthrough” in overnight talks, the UK and EU have agreed to a historic reset of relations ahead of a summit in London on Monday. Officials on both sides have confirmed the agreement, which includes significant concessions from both parties.
One of the key points of the agreement is the UK’s decision to open its fishing waters for 12 more years to EU boats. This move, while welcomed by Brussels, is expected to face criticism from the opposition Conservatives. In exchange, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has secured a veterinary deal that will streamline exports for British farming and fisheries to the EU, a crucial economic benefit of the “reset” talks.
According to EU diplomats, Brussels has dropped its demands to link the duration of the agrifood deal to the one for fish. This flexibility has allowed both sides to reach a consensus on the two critical issues. The negotiations, which continued through the night, also addressed key details on fisheries, food trade, and a proposed youth mobility scheme.
Starmer has emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions about the youth mobility scheme, rather than making immediate commitments at the London summit. He has clarified that the scheme does not equate to “free movement” and has reaffirmed his red lines on negotiating terms, ruling out a return to the single market and customs union.
Early on Monday, EU ambassadors from the 27 member states gathered to approve the agreement, while EU leaders headed to London to finalize the deal. Both parties have agreed to work towards a youth mobility scheme, with details to be ironed out in future negotiations.
The eleventh-hour talks paved the way for a summit at Lancaster House, where the UK and EU will sign a security and defense partnership, marking a significant milestone in their new relationship.
This is a developing story
