Keir insists he’s NOT been ‘stitched up’ by Brussels despite Brexit betrayal seeing UK PAY to go back into EU courts
BRITAIN will pay money to Brussels for a “sellout” deal that drags the country back under the control of European judges and grants French boats access to our fishing waters for 12 YEARS.
The agreement signed by Sir Keir Starmer in London today reveals the UK will be tethered to the EU's rulebook on trade standards.
Brexiteers like Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch have denounced it as a "betrayal" of the 2016 referendum.
Former PM Boris Johnson blasted: "Two-tier Keir is once again going back on his promises to the people of this country - by making us non-voting members of a two-tier European Union.
"Under this appalling sell out of a deal the UK will have to accept EU law on a host of measures from food standards to emissions trading."
At a London press conference this afternoon Sir Keir denied to reporters he had been "stitched up like a kipper" by Brussels.
What is in the new Brexit 'surrender deal'
- FISHING FIASCO – NET LOSS FOR BRITAIN
We’ve handed over our fishing waters to EU fleets until 2038 – 12 years. This was supposed to be one of Brexit’s big wins – reclaiming control of our waters. Instead, it’s a slap in the face for the fishing industry, which was promised better days post-Brexit. - ERASMUS RETURNS – AT A COST
Britain’s back in the EU’s Erasmus student exchange scheme, which comes with hefty financial contributions. - EU RULES STILL IN CHARGE
Dynamic alignment means Britain has to follow EU rules on energy, food safety, and farming. This includes sticking to their regulations on things like pesticides and organics, even if we don’t agree. - EU COURTS RULE THE ROOST
The European Court of Justice will remain the ultimate authority on disputes involving EU law. Whether it’s about trade, carbon markets, or food standards, Britain’s judicial independence is undermined. - PAY UP, BRITAIN – THE BILL KEEPS ROLLING IN
From climate change agreements to food safety programmes, Britain will have to make financial contributions to take part in EU schemes. - BORDER TROUBLES – MIGRATION MESS CONTINUES
The deal talks about tackling irregular migration, but there’s no concrete plan to stop dangerous Channel crossings. While there’s mention of cooperation with EU agencies like Frontex, people smuggling and illegal crossings remain huge issues. - NO SEAT AT THE TABLE – FOLLOW THE RULES, BUT NO SAY
Britain will be consulted on EU policy-making but won’t get a real seat at the table. We’ll have to follow rules on things like farming and carbon markets, but won’t have any meaningful power to shape them. - TIED TO EU GREEN TARGETS – CLIMATE CONTROL
Britain’s climate policies will have to align with EU carbon market rules, including emissions trading and environmental ambitions. While the UK has its own climate goals, this deal limits our ability to set independent targets.
The deal will see Britain follow the EU’s food standards but only be involved in “early stages” of setting the rules - with the European Court of Justice the ultimate arbiter.
In exchange, French boats and other trawlers from the continent will be given rights to fish off our coastline for 12 years.
Mr Farage said this would mark "the end of the fishing industry", while the Tories branded it "far worse than we anticipated".
The text also shows British taxpayers will make an “appropriate financial contribution” to the EU as the price of what critics are blasting as a “surrender” deal.
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It has not yet been revealed how much money the UK will pay the EU.
But - despite trumpeting the deal as a win for Britain - it will only add a meagre 0.3 per cent to GDP over 15 years.
Sir Keir said: "It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.
“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home.
“So that’s what this deal is all about – facing out into the world once again, in the great tradition of this nation.
"Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest. Because that is what independent, sovereign nations do.”
The UK has also struck a defence pact with the EU. Defence firms will also gain access to a £126billion EU-wide weapons fund, although British taxpayers face having to pay millions for the privilege.
And both sides have agreed to continue talks on a controversial youth mobility scheme that will dish out visas to young Europeans.
The UK has been signed up to the Erasmus+ scheme which concerns an arrangement for Europeans rights to live, study and work here for up to three years.
The EU will allow British travellers to use e-gates at European airports - a move that could ease long queues at borders.
Reform UK leader Mr Farage lamented the potential "end of the fishing industry" after details of the UK-EU reset deal emerged.
Meanwhile, Tory leader Ms Badenoch said the details are "very concerning".
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She said: "12 years access to British waters is three times longer than the government wanted. We're becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again.
"And with no details on any cap or time limits on youth mobility, fears of free movement returning will only increase. This is very concerning."
The Tories 'love youth mobility schemes'
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch insisted the Tories “love youth mobility schemes” but they have to be capped and time-limited.
Asked about whether there were benefits to youth mobility schemes, Ms Badenoch said: “We love youth mobility schemes. We have a youth mobility scheme with Australia. We have one with Canada. I think we have one with South Korea. Someone was talking about Uruguay the other day. They are good ideas. We support them.
“What we do not support is uncapped, non time limited migration.”
She added: “There is a big difference between an 18 year old from France who’s coming for their gap year and a 30 year old with several children who’s coming from a much poorer EU country like Bulgaria or Romania.
“What we wanted to do was have youth mobility schemes with specific countries. That is not what we will get with what Keir Starmer is negotiating.”
Kemi Badenoch confirms she will reverse 'reset' deal
Sir Keir Starmer has "surrendered" many of the gains the Tories had made from Brexit, Kemi Badenoch has claimed.
Speaking at a central London press conference, the Tory chief said “Today, we found out that after months of secret negotiations away from Parliament, the media and the public, the Labour Government – Keir Starmer’s Government – has surrendered many of the gains we secured, on sovereignty, on money and control over our laws, to the European Union.”
She added: “This deal will mean Britain becoming a rule-taker, accepting dynamic alignment, giving up fishing rights and paying new money to the EU.”
Ms Badenoch also confirmed the Tories would reverse the reset deal, telling journalists: “We have said that if anything in the deal violated those five tests, that we would reverse them.”
Boris: Two-tier Keir is Brussels' gimp
Boris Johnson has ripped into Sir Keir Starmer’s EU deal – blasting it as a “appalling sell-out” that would leave Britain shackled to Brussels with no say.
The ex-PM warned Sir Keir is turning the UK into a “non-voting punk of the EU Commission” by accepting European laws on food standards, emissions trading and more – without any power to change them.
He raged on X: "Two-tier Keir is the orange ball-chewing manacled gimp of Brussels. He has sacrificed UK fishing interests, handing over our seas to be plundered again - when under the current Brexit agreement we are on the point of taking back full legal control, next year, of every fish in our waters."
A wave of fishing fury
Sir Keir Starmer does not recognise the value of "protecting our own fishing fleet", the Shetland Fishermen's Association has declared.
The group's chairman James Anderson said: "The fact is that we are sadly not like Iceland, or Norway, or a country that still recognises the value of protecting our own fishing fleet and fishing grounds.
“Normally, nations negotiate fishing access and quota transfers on an annual basis. Overnight, the EU has been allowed to renege on annual negotiations and instead enjoy a 12 year deal – with UK fishing crews forced to give up their grounds and fish stocks again in exchange for what?
“This, unfortunately, is how our industry – which has so much more to offer – has been treated by successive governments. Fishing communities such as Shetland will remain hopeful that, one day, the UK will find its feet as an independent coastal state and finally conduct ourselves as such – denying EU vessels access to our productive seas without first paying for the privilege.”
The white flag has been waved outside Downing Street, says Reform
Reform UK's Richard Tice told TalkTV "the white flag has been waved outside Downing Street".
The deputy leader added: "The great EU surrender by the UK is taking place as we speak!"
Still taking questions...
European Council President Antonio Costa and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer look on as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a press conference at the UK-EU summit at Lancaster HouseCredit: Reuters Cheaper supermarket prices, according to PM
The "reset" deal will result in supermarkets lowering their prices, according to Sir Keir Starmer.
Asked about the Scottish Fishermen's Federation blasting the agreement as a "horror show", the PM said: "Let me again repeat the driving principles behind this deal... which is the question does it bring down bills?
"And I think it is really important to see the reaction of supermarkets, of Salmon Scotland, to begin to answer that question because they are celebrating this because they will reduce prices."
Brexit voters told 'this is a new beginning by EU boss
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen insisted Britain and the UK were working towards a "friendly cooperation".
Asked what her message was to Brexit voters who may be suspicious of today's "reset" deal, the European Commission President said: "We are sovereign neighbours, we are friends, we are allies, this is a new beginning for old friends.
"In this spirit we have designed the roadmap we are working on together and I think it shows that we are working towards a friendly cooperation that is of benefit for both sides of the Channel."
We did not sell out British fishermen, says PM
Sir Keir Starmer rejected claims he had "sold out" British fishermen to get the deal over the line.
He told reporters: "The length of the time for the agreement provides the stability because what wold have happened next year is we would have come off the current arrangements but then into year-on-year negotiations where nobody knows year-on-year where they stand.
"This gives stability in relation to that. It also opens the door for shellfish and the like to be sold back into European market which wasn't available before this deal and of course, we have announced the £360m transformation fund."
He added: "This is good for fishing."
Sir Keir Starmer insists 'reset' deal is a 'win-win' situation
Th PM argued the "reset" deal with the EU is "good for both sides", adding: "This deal is a win-win."
Defending the fishing element of the agreement, Sir Keir said it would protect "our access, rights and fishing areas with no increase in the amount EU vessels can catch in British water."
He also announced a £360 million investment into the British fishing industry.
EU bosses and PM Sir Keir Starmer deliver press conference at Lancaster House
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen flank Prime Minister Sir Keir StarmerCredit: EU Fishing deal will provide ‘stability and predictability’
Ursula von der Leyen also hailed the fishing element of the Brexit deal, which will grant European fishermen access to British waters for a further 12 years.
The European Commission President said the deal was “so important for long term stability and predictability”.
UK and EU working towards youth experience scheme, says von der Leyen
The next generation of Europeans and Brits will once again be able to "live and study" in each other's countries, the European Commission President has said.
Ursula von der Leyen remembered her time as a "student here in London", adding: "I'm so glad that we have agreed that we will have Erasmus Plus for young people, and that we will work towards a youth experience scheme...
"This will allow the next generation to once again live and study in each other's countries, and this will build friendships that will last a lifetime."
My dear Keir, says Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened her remarks by praising the Prime Minister.
She told the press conference: "My dear Keir, this is a historic moment, because it is the first ever EU-UK Summit, and it is a success. And this is also thanks to your leadership."
The EU chief said the two sides were “turning a page, we are opening a new chapter in our unique relationship”.
And she argued the “reset” deal contained “solutions that are beneficial for both our peoples”.
EU boss hails the 'start of a renewed and strengthened' partnership
European Council chief Antonio Costa kicked off the press conference at Lancaster House.
He hailed the "start of a renewed and strengthened strategic partnership", saying there is now a "new positive energy" in the relationship between Britain and the EU.
He added: "We have worked hand in hand, to support Ukraine, to increase pressure on Russia, to stabilise and strengthen the transatlantic partnership and to uphold international law and defending the United Nations Charter amid growing security threats.
"We have been proud of the fruits of that collective effort: a joint statement on cooperation on global issues, a security and defence defence and the common understanding and the renewed agenda for cooperation.
"These agreements represent more than just words on paper. They are a reflection of our shared commitments to security, to prosperity, to development and to the people we serve on both sides of the Channel."
PM speaks at conference
Sir Keir Starmer is speaking at the Summit in London.
Sir Keir insists his new deal will "improve lives"
Commenting on the new Brexit deal, the PM said: “It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.
“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home.
“So that’s what this deal is all about – facing out into the world once again, in the great tradition of this nation. Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest. Because that is what independent, sovereign nations do.”
Holidaymakers gate boost
As a result of the new agreement, Brit holidaymakers will soon be able to use more eGates in Europe.
The government says "will end the dreaded queues" at border control.
As part of the deal, "pet passports" will also be introduced for cats and dogs.
This means there will no longer be a need for animal health certificates on every trip.
Starmer calls to "move on"
The PM has hailed "moving on from stale old arguments" as he opened a plenary session at the very first UK-EU summit.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: "It’s time to look forward — to move on from the stale old political fights and to find common sense, practical solutions that improve the lives of British people.
"Secure borders. Cheaper bills. More jobs.
"We will close a deal in the national interest."
Sir Keir added that the deal, agreed this morning, marks a "new era in our relationship".
Defence pact
Defence firms will also gain access to a £126billion EU-wide weapons fund due to the new deal.
However, British taxpayers face having to pay millions for the privilege.
The two sides will likely ink the 'Security and Defence Partnership' at the sit-down meeting today.
British taxpayers hit by new deal
Britain will send money to Brussels for a "sellout" deal that drags the country back under the thumb of Europe.
The text shows that British taxpayers will make an “appropriate financial contribution” to the EU.
But - despite trumpeting the deal as a win for Britain - it will only add a meagre 0.3 per cent to GDP over 15 years.
A leaked copy of the agreement Sir Keir Starmer will sign today reveals sweeping giveaways of the UK’s autonomy.
It will also see Britain follow the EU’s food standards but only be involved in “early stages” of setting the rules - with the European Court of Justice the ultimate arbiter.
The new Brexit "surrender deal" summarised
- FISHING FIASCO – NET LOSS FOR BRITAIN
We’ve handed over our fishing waters to EU fleets until 2038 – 12 years. This was supposed to be one of Brexit’s big wins – reclaiming control of our waters. Instead, it’s a slap in the face for the fishing industry, which was promised better days post-Brexit. - ERASMUS RETURNS – AT A COST
Britain’s back in the EU’s Erasmus student exchange scheme, which comes with hefty financial contributions. - EU RULES STILL IN CHARGE
Dynamic alignment means Britain has to follow EU rules on energy, food safety, and farming. This includes sticking to their regulations on things like pesticides and organics, even if we don’t agree. - EU COURTS RULE THE ROOST
The European Court of Justice will remain the ultimate authority on disputes involving EU law. Whether it’s about trade, carbon markets, or food standards, Britain’s judicial independence is undermined. - PAY UP, BRITAIN – THE BILL KEEPS ROLLING IN
From climate change agreements to food safety programmes, Britain will have to make financial contributions to take part in EU schemes. - BORDER TROUBLES – MIGRATION MESS CONTINUES
The deal talks about tackling irregular migration, but there’s no concrete plan to stop dangerous Channel crossings. While there’s mention of cooperation with EU agencies like Frontex, people smuggling and illegal crossings remain huge issues. - NO SEAT AT THE TABLE – FOLLOW THE RULES, BUT NO SAY
Britain will be consulted on EU policy-making but won’t get a real seat at the table. We’ll have to follow rules on things like farming and carbon markets, but won’t have any meaningful power to shape them. - TIED TO EU GREEN TARGETS – CLIMATE CONTROL
Britain’s climate policies will have to align with EU carbon market rules, including emissions trading and environmental ambitions. While the UK has its own climate goals, this deal limits our ability to set independent targets.
- FISHING FIASCO – NET LOSS FOR BRITAIN
Starmer Brexit deal 'leaked'
Full details of the fresh deal with the EU have not been officially published yet.
However, the contents of the agreement has been revealed by ahead of the landmark announcement later.
Sir Keir Starmer is due to deliver a news conference in just over an hour, where he is expected to discuss his post-Brexit reset deal.
Details of the agreement are still to come, but we understand it was finalised at around 7am after negotiations went on into the early hours.
Nigel Farage blasts new deal
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage lamented the potential "end of the fishing industry" after details of the UK-EU reset deal emerged.
It comes as fishermen brace for European trawlermen to be given access to British waters for 12 years to secure the PM's Brexit "reset" deal.
Speaking to The Telegraph about Starmer's decision, Farage also took another swipe at the PM
He said: "Why would a north London lawyer care?"
Credit: PA Von der Leyen arrives at Lancaster House
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has just arrived at the UK-EU summit for the major deal.
She was joined by Antonio Costa, the head of the European Council.
Sir Keir Starmer greeted the pair at the door after he arrived moments earlier.
