Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, announced during a summit that it is “time to look forward” as the United Kingdom and the European Union have reached a comprehensive agreement. This agreement affects crucial sectors such as fisheries, commerce, security and energy. It is a conscious attempt to improve coordination between siloed policy areas.
The new Fisheries Framework Agreement guarantees EU fishing fleets access to UK waters until 2038. This extension gives them an extraordinary 12 additional years over their current deal. In return, the UK will allow EU vessels access to its fishing grounds for the same period of time. This aspect of the deal has drawn criticism from various political leaders, including Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, who asserted that the extension is “three times longer than the government wanted”.
The UK government stands poised to launch an £360 million investment fund to support innovations in the area. This fund will help build resilience in fishing communities that rely on a strong coastal economy. Further, signed deals on trade and energy are expected to add almost £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040. This unique arrangement provides amazing opportunities for the UK’s defence industry. They can now joint participate in the EU’s proposed new €150 billion defence fund.
Starmer is a fierce supporter of staying in the EU. He stresses the importance of getting beyond the poisonous debates that have followed in Brexit’s wake. He stated, “To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.” He went on to say that he would be keen to work with local partners to transform people’s lives across the UK.
Together, this deal ends a large chapter in UK-EU relations. It represents the biggest political realignment in the UK since it formally left the EU in 2020. The previous post-Brexit deal for access to UK waters for EU fishers was due to run out at the end of June 2026.
Opposition parties have consistently raised their concerns about this deal. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticized Starmer’s approach, urging him to “ignore the naysayers and dinosaurs in Reform and the Conservative Party” and instead pursue a more ambitious negotiation strategy that serves national interests.
Richard Tice, the Member of Parliament for Reform UK, vociferously denounced Starmer’s move. He described this as a betrayal of British fishing communities. He claimed that his party would move to repeal this agreement if they were victorious at the next general election.
The overall fishing sector directly accounts for just 0.4% of the UK’s GDP. This is important to understand, despite the criticism that this fact has drawn. The focus on fishing rights played a crucial role during the Brexit campaign, making this agreement emblematic of broader tensions between national interests and international cooperation.