UK Opposition Leader Faces Backlash Over EU Reset Deal

The UK government's new deal with the EU, championed by Sir Keir Starmer, has sparked significant political controversy. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney described the agreement as a surrender, particularly criticizing its impact on the Scottish fishing industry, while SNP members showed divided opinions, with Stephen Flynn rejecting the notion of surrender and Kate Forbes even congratulating the UK government. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the deal as a failure and betrayal, arguing it undermines sovereignty, increases costs, and involves rejoining parts of the EU framework such as the emissions trading scheme, which she views as breaking manifesto promises. Starmer defended the deal, emphasizing that the UK is not rejoining the EU or the Single Market and dismissing Conservative criticism as spin. Industry minister Sarah Jones highlighted that although the UK will incur administrative costs, these will be offset by an estimated £9 billion annual economic benefit by 2040. The deal remains contentious, with opposition voices pledging to reverse it and divided reactions within the SNP reflecting broader tensions over UK-EU relations post-Brexit.