The United Kingdom and the European Union came together in an unprecedented deal. This agreement breaks important new ground on food, access to fishing, defence, and UK travellers’ use of eGates. This complex agreement was designed to simplify a lot of different processes. It will further boost economic relations between the UK and EU member states, addressing a sore point that emerged as a result of Brexit.
Strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreements is a key element of this bargain. It is supposed to make importing and exporting food and drink between Great Britain and Northern Ireland easier. This ambitious initiative should go a long way toward improving trade efficiency, helping alleviate the cross-border operating pain for the businesses that depend on it.
Additionally, the deal introduces a “fishing and coastal growth fund” valued at £360 million, aimed at revitalising coastal communities impacted by fishing restrictions. This $160 million investment underscores the critical importance that our nation’s fishing industry plays in supporting our local economies. In Scotland, salmon exports are the highest value food export from the U.K.
Scottish salmon exporters have welcomed this deal as a “breakthrough,” cautiously optimistic about its prospects to strengthen their industry. The Scottish government has raised concerns regarding the lack of consultation prior to the agreement, stating that they did not receive any documentation or draft proposals in advance. Angus Robertson, the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, enumerated these points. He made a forceful case for more transparency in negotiations.
Even the Minister for International Trade, Kemi Badenoch, a leading government figure, raised concerns about the significant implications of the fishing deal. She said that it was as if the UK was intent on returning to being a “rule-taker from Brussels all over again.” This amendment would result in the UK losing control of its sovereignty in its fishing waters.
The agreement has major implications for the American distribution of food to Northern Ireland. Supermarkets there mostly rely on supply chains from England and Scotland. For FAN, this agreement would centralize, simplify and speed up internal operations tremendously. It would likely remove the unpopular “Irish Sea border” that has proved so controversial since Brexit.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds welcomed the agreement, scoring it a “good solid eight” out of 10. He emphasized its ability to support thousands of British jobs and generate billions in economic development. He stated, “I’m not the kind of man to get hyperbolic about these things, but look, this is a good deal for borders, for bills, for security in the UK and for jobs.”
Despite these positive assessments, critics remain wary. Nigel Farage had a warning of his own. He added that if the agreement results in greater regulation coming out of Brussels, it would be the death knell for the industry. Sustainable inshore fishing champion Elspeth Macdonald built on that statement, calling the result “absolutely disastrous” for the Scottish fleet.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, commended the UK government for securing this agreement with the EU. He stated, “This breakthrough will ease the burden on our farmers, processors and the communities they support,” further noting that it would “slash red tape and the time taken to get premium salmon to market.”
John Campbell, too, welcomed elements of the deal that protect the all-island economy and make trade easier. He remarked, “Anything that maximises our access to both markets in terms of trade, anything that removes barriers for trade, then that’s something that we would obviously very much welcome.”
Most stakeholders seem bullish on key aspects of the deal. Despite their new enthusiasm, they’re still wary about its implementation. Michelle O’Neill expressed this idea just as well. She cautioned that “the devil will be in the detail,” underscoring the need for painstaking review as the fine points are revealed.