UK, EU Agree Food, Fishing, Defence Deals in London Summit

The UK and the European Union have reached a broad agreement aimed at resetting their post-Brexit relationship, prominently featuring a food standards deal that removes many checks and paperwork on agricultural products such as meat and dairy, which is expected to lower food prices and add £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040. This Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement is indefinite and will reduce border delays, benefiting trade between the UK and EU, with ongoing talks about its implementation and related trade issues. A 12-year extension has been granted to EU fishing vessels for access to UK waters, a concession that has sparked criticism from some in the UK fishing industry but is defended by officials as beneficial for seafood exports. The deal also includes provisions for UK travelers to use EU passport e-gates, a defense and security pact allowing UK firms access to a €150 billion EU fund, and plans for a youth mobility scheme to facilitate work and travel between the UK and EU. These agreements were finalized shortly before a summit in London where Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU leaders celebrated moving beyond previous political conflicts toward practical cooperation. Despite progress, some issues remain unresolved, and further negotiations and annual summits are planned to continue strengthening UK-EU ties.