UK, EU Reach 12-Year Fishing, Defence Deal Before Summit

The UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reached a deal with the European Union that extends European fishing vessels' access to British waters for an additional 12 years beyond the current arrangement's expiration in 2026. This agreement, part of a broader post-Brexit reset of UK-EU relations covering trade, youth mobility, and defence, has drawn sharp criticism from Scottish fishermen and politicians, who view it as a betrayal and a loss of control over devolved fishing rights. Scottish officials were reportedly excluded from the negotiation process, raising concerns about the UK government's disregard for devolved administrations. While the deal maintains current quotas and access levels without increasing the EU's catch, critics argue it undermines the UK's sovereignty and the promises made during Brexit to restore full fishing control. The agreement also includes provisions on easing trade red tape, youth mobility, and security partnerships, reflecting a complex balancing act amid domestic political pressures and broader geopolitical challenges. Opposition voices, including Nigel Farage and some Conservatives, have condemned the deal as a surrender that endangers the fishing industry and Britain's autonomy.