Prime Minister faces pressure over fishing rights as he prepares to meet EU leaders for key defence discussions

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is heading to Brussels for a pivotal meeting with all 27 European Union leaders, marking the first post-Brexit summit of its kind. On Monday, Starmer will join EU heads of state and government for a working dinner hosted by European Council President António Costa to discuss the future of EU-UK defence cooperation.

The talks come at a crucial time, as the urgency surrounding defence and security matters has only grown following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Starmer’s hopes for a defence and security pact with the EU are at risk of being overshadowed by an ongoing dispute over fishing rights.

While the UK and the EU are keen to forge stronger security ties, including improving customs arrangements and cooperation, the EU has insisted that progress on fishing rights must be made before any broader agreements can move forward. The current post-Brexit fishing agreement is set to expire in 2026, and the EU is eager to secure an extension that maintains the status quo.

For Starmer, this represents a delicate balancing act. While he is eager to progress discussions on security, including closer cooperation on energy and migration, pressure is mounting from parties like Reform UK, who demand larger fishing quotas for British fleets.

The political tension surrounding these issues is not new. During the original Brexit negotiations, the EU’s mantra was “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed,” using leverage to maximise its bargaining power on contentious issues like fisheries. A similar dynamic appears to be at play in these talks, with one senior EU diplomat stating that while the UK and EU share common security interests, fishing remains a significant sticking point.

Starmer has also ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, drawing a firm line against a full return to free movement and the customs union. However, discussions around creating smoother customs arrangements continue to be a priority for the UK, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stating that the goal is to reduce border bureaucracy without compromising the country’s independence.

The dinner in Brussels is expected to focus on informal discussions, with no formal conclusions anticipated. Costa has called for a frank exchange of priorities, describing the UK as a “key partner” for the EU. However, disagreements are likely to persist, particularly regarding the funding of EU defence initiatives, with countries like France, Italy, and Poland pushing for common EU funds raised through shared borrowing, while Germany and the Netherlands oppose such measures.

As Starmer prepares to meet with EU leaders, the stakes are high. The outcome of these discussions could set the tone for future UK-EU relations, particularly as the country faces pressure to resolve key issues like fishing rights while building stronger ties on security. The coming months will be crucial for navigating this complex and contentious relationship, and how Starmer handles these challenges could shape the future of UK-EU cooperation.

POLITICO

Brussels has lowered its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset after six months of setbacks. Early hopes that the new UK government would reverse extreme Tory Brexit measures have faded, with Starmer’s red lines on issues like the single market, customs union, and free movement frustrating EU officials. While improvements to the cross-channel relationship are still seen as possible, they are expected to be gradual and not transformative. The UK’s rejection of proposals for visas and student exchanges further dampened EU optimism. However, EU diplomats now express acceptance of the status quo, noting that while better ties would be welcome, they are not an urgent priority given other challenges, such as the climate crisis and AI. In Brussels, the UK’s role has slipped down the agenda, with one diplomat noting they now spend only a few minutes each week thinking about the UK’s direction.

SKY NEWS

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has reiterated the UK’s commitment to maintaining its stance on Brexit, declaring that there will be no return to the EU customs union, single market, or freedom of movement. Cooper stated that while the UK aims to strengthen its global trading relationships, these core elements of EU membership remain “red lines” for the government. She emphasized that the UK’s future trading relationships would focus on global opportunities rather than re-aligning with the EU’s structures. Cooper’s remarks reflect the ongoing tension between the government’s ambition to foster international trade while staying firm on key Brexit promises. This continues to shape the UK’s relationship with the EU and its post-Brexit position, despite discussions on strengthening ties with European partners.