Starmer Edges Toward Landmark EU Defence Deal Amid Fishing Concessions

[Social Media]

 

Starmer Edges Toward Landmark EU Defence Deal Amid Fishing Concessions

 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is nearing a significant agreement with the European Union that would open the door for British defence companies to compete for a slice of the EU’s €150 billion defence fund. The move, designed to reset relations with Brussels, could prove a financial windfall for the UK’s arms industry—but it comes at a controversial cost to the nation’s fishing sector.

 

The landmark deal is expected to be formally discussed during the UK-EU summit hosted by Starmer in London on May 19. In the lead-up to the event, British negotiators have reportedly made major concessions on fishing rights, a sticking point that has long hampered broader cooperation since Brexit. In return, the UK anticipates being included in the Security Action for Europe (Safe) fund, which finances purchases of ammunition, air defences, rocket launchers, and drones across the continent.

 

Until now, British firms such as BAE Systems and Babcock have been excluded from bidding for Safe contracts, despite countries like Norway, Japan, and even Moldova being granted access. Their exclusion stemmed from the UK’s lack of a formal defence and security pact with the EU, and pressure from France and other member states to uphold a “Buy European” policy.

 

 

President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal in promoting French defence exports, urging EU allies to favour homegrown systems like the Franco-Italian SAMP/T over American alternatives such as the Patriot or F-35. “Those who buy Patriot should be offered the new-generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T. Those who buy the F-35 should be offered the Rafale,” Macron said.

 

However, amid increasing Anglo-French cooperation over Ukraine, there is growing optimism in Downing Street that a defence pact is imminent. “The mood music is good,” a British defence industry source commented.

 

Starmer’s outreach includes talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. Downing Street noted Starmer had “reiterated his iron-clad support for Ukraine” during these conversations. A spokesperson added that he and Store “agreed there can be no let-up in their support for Ukraine” and stressed the importance of “keeping up economic pressure on Russia to ensure that they engage seriously in talks.” On broader trade matters, Starmer emphasized “a cool and calm approach,” stating that “a trade war is in nobody’s interests.”

 

The path to defence cooperation, however, has been smoothed by a notable shift on fishing rights. Despite initial resistance, British negotiators are believed to have accepted a multi-year fishing agreement, as opposed to annual negotiations. This compromise appeases France, which had linked the two issues, but has raised eyebrows in eastern Europe. “I think Kaja was speaking for all of us,” one British source said in reference to Estonian diplomat Kaja Kallas, who remarked, “I was surprised at how important the fish are.”

 

Under the current deal, set to expire in 2026, European access to British waters was cut to 75% of pre-Brexit levels. Yet reports have shown much of the UK’s quota is controlled by foreign-owned vessels flying the British flag. In 2021, the BBC revealed that £160 million worth—55% of the total quota in 2019—was held by firms in Iceland, Spain, and the Netherlands. The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations has criticized the arrangement as a “neocolonial relationship with the EU.”

 

Now, Britain appears willing to lock in a new multi-year agreement with the EU, potentially freezing quotas rather than further reducing European access. Meanwhile, Starmer has also agreed to dynamic alignment with EU standards on food and carbon emissions, removing certain trade frictions at key ports and harmonizing with the Emissions Trading Scheme.

 

“There is a maturity that was not there in the Brexit negotiations,” an EU diplomat observed. Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds confirmed earlier that “having something that is more stable would be in our interests going forward.”

 

Still unresolved is the question of youth mobility. Brussels is pushing for a scheme allowing 18 to 30-year-olds to temporarily live and work in the UK. While Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wants tight limits to avoid immigration spikes, Chancellor Rachel Reeves supports the idea, citing economic benefits.

 

“The European Commission is confident there is a deal to be done,” said a European diplomat. A UK government spokesman added, “We have always been clear we will protect the interests of our fisheries,” while affirming the UK’s readiness to negotiate a comprehensive defence and security pact with the EU.

 

Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Times  2025-04-24

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

Smart move.

 

 

[JonnyF]

Reversing Brexit, one step at a time. 

 

What a surprise. 

 

 

 

 

[placeholder]

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Reversing Brexit, one step at a time. 

 

What a surprise.

And undoubtedly a welcome relief to most UK citizens.

[JonnyF]

3 minutes ago, placeholder said:

And undoubtedly a welcome relief to most UK citizens.

 

Only in your mind.

 

In the actual vote, they voted to Leave.

 

I never expected Starmer to respect that though. The man has no principles. 

[jippytum]

Starmer's betrayal of Brexit will not be forgotten as the weakest Prime minister

in history

[Watawattana]

The OP isn't particularly complex, but the whole Brexit mess is massively complex (at least to my single brain cell).  The OP looks sensible to me as a start.  Yes, the UK voted for Brexit & I don't want another vote just because some people didn't like the answer - I'm Scottish; I don't want another independence vote too.  But the EU is a major trading partner to the UK, and many of the current arrangements suit neither party and I hope that all gets sorted too.

[jippytum]

3 hours ago, placeholder said:

And undoubtedly a welcome relief to most UK citizens.

 

3 hours ago, placeholder said:

And undoubtedly a welcome relief to most UK citizens.

Less than 50% is not most. 

[placeholder]

13 minutes ago, jippytum said:

 

Less than 50% is not most. 

8 years ago,  sure. Nowadays

 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/987347/brexit-opinion-poll/

 

[RayC]

7 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Reversing Brexit, one step at a time. 

 

What a surprise. 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, the economic benefits of Brexit are plain for all to see. Only a fool would seek to reverse them🤦

[JonnyF]

16 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Yes, the economic benefits of Brexit are plain for all to see. Only a fool would seek to reverse them🤦

 

Clearly, like most Remainers you have no respect for Democracy. 

 

But we already knew that. 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

8 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Reversing Brexit, one step at a time. 

 

What a surprise. 

 

 

 

 

 

I did warn you.

 

It started with Sunak and will continue until the UK retakes its rightful place in the EU.

 

 

 

[RayC]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

Clearly, like most Remainers you have no respect for Democracy. 

 

But we already knew that. 

 

 

 

We voted to leave. I thought it foolhardy but fully supported the decision to implement that decision.

 

However, 9 years on from the vote and 5 since we formally left the EU, it's clear that the Brexit implemented by Johnson is not in the countries' best interests, so any sensible politician would take steps to rectify the situation.

[JAG]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

I did warn you.

 

It started with Sunak and will continue until the UK retakes its rightful place in the EU.

 

 

 

Having paid through the nose, and probably every other orifice, for the "privilege".

[Alexjkr]

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Until now, British firms such as BAE Systems and Babcock have been excluded from bidding for Safe contracts, despite countries like Norway, Japan, and even Moldova being granted access. Their exclusion stemmed from the UK’s lack of a formal defence and security pact with the EU, and pressure from France and other member states to uphold a “Buy European” policy.

 

Says everything there is to say about the hatred of the British by the EU. "and pressure from France and other member states to uphold a “Buy European” policy." Where do the French think Japan is?

[RayC]

1 hour ago, JAG said:

Having paid through the nose, and probably every other orifice, for the "privilege".

 

The cost of membership is insignificant when compared to the cost of leaving to  UK companies and the wider UK economy, and the ability of the UK to be heard on the world stage.