This is interesting news. Looks like a Brexit Reboot (v1.1).

Historic moment today as the UK and EU leaders met at Lancaster House in London for the first-ever UK-EU summit to sign a significant post-Brexit “reset” deal. Described by Sir Keir Starmer as marking a “new era” in the relationship, this agreement follows extensive negotiations.

Key confirmed details emerging from Number 10 include:

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Easier travel for UK holidaymakers: More eGate access in Europe.

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Return of pet passports: Simpler travel for British cats and dogs.

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New SPS Agreement: Set to make food and drink import/export easier, potentially leading to lower prices. Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be completely removed.

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Market Access: UK businesses will be able to sell products like burgers and sausages back into the EU market.

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Emissions Cooperation: Closer links between Emissions Trading Systems to improve energy security and help UK businesses avoid the upcoming EU carbon tax.

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Protection for British Steel: A bespoke arrangement will save the UK steel industry £25 million per year by protecting exports from new EU rules and tariffs.

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Security Cooperation: Talks will begin on UK access to EU “facial images data” to enhance the ability to catch dangerous dangerous criminals.

In addition to these points, the deal includes an agreement allowing EU access to UK waters for fishing for 12 years (rather than the permanent access initially sought by the EU), with no change to current UK quotas or increase in the amount the EU can catch. Talks are also continuing regarding a youth mobility scheme for 18-30 year olds to move freely between the UK and EU for a limited time.

A major component of the deal is the Security and Defence Partnership. This agreement is seen as the “arrowhead” of the reset and will pave the way for the UK defence industry to participate in the EU’s proposed new £150 billion defence fund. This partnership has taken on increased urgency in the current geopolitical climate.

Leaders present at the summit included UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa. Von der Leyen hailed the deal as a “real chance to turn the page and write a new chapter”. Starmer emphasized “moving on from stale old arguments” and focusing on practical solutions.

This agreement delivers on a key manifesto promise from the government to improve the UK’s trading relationship and sign a new security pact with the EU. While some aspects like fishing rights may face scrutiny, the focus is on delivering a strong package of benefits.

#UKPolitics #EUPolitics #Brexit #TradeDeal #SecurityPartnership #InternationalRelations #UKUE