UK-EU Summit Nears Fishing Rights, Defence Deal Dispute

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is engaged in last-minute negotiations with the EU ahead of a summit in London, with fishing rights and defence cooperation as key contentious issues. The EU is reportedly demanding improved access to UK waters, leading to fears among British and Scottish fishermen that a multi-year deal could undermine their quotas and annual negotiations, potentially betraying the Brexit mandate. Critics, including Brexiteers and opposition politicians, accuse Starmer of risking a 'Brexit betrayal' by conceding control over food standards and agreeing to EU rules without UK influence, as well as allowing continued EU fishing access. French President Macron has been reported to push for a link between defence contract access and fishing rights, complicating talks. The UK government is also exploring a deal that might grant British firms access to a substantial EU defence fund, raising concerns about financial costs to taxpayers. Fishermen emphasize that if a multi-year deal is accepted, it should include proportional benefits for the UK fleet, highlighting tensions between economic and sovereignty considerations.