UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has hailed the new UK-EU deal as a “win-win” in a press conference today (19 May) with European Commission (EC) president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president António Costa.

Starmer, von der Leyen and Costa celebrated the provisions of the agreement, which covered a wide variety of topics and areas, including defence, food exports, power, fisheries and steel.

Back on the world stage

“Britain is back on the world stage”, said Starmer of the agreement, calling it a “win-win”.

“It gives us unprecedented access to the EU market, the best of any country outside of the EU or EFTA, all while sticking to the red lines in our manifesto.”

“We’ve struck a sanitary and phytosanitary [SPS] deal to make food and agricultural trade with the EU cheaper and easier. That is slashing red tape and bureaucracy.”

“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.”

He said that the deal, alongside the agreements secured with the US and India in the last few weeks, could put more money in the pockets of consumers and boost British exporters.

Fish and steel

Starmer said that the government would be investing into the fisheries industry to help them take advantage of the new arrangements.

Under a ‘reset’ deal reached ahead of the summit, the UK granted European boats access to British waters for 12 more years in exchange for the easing of EU trade barriers on British food products.

Additionally, UK steel exports would be protected from new EU tariffs and rules through a “bespoke” arrangement. The PM said this would save the industry £25m a year.

‘Turning a page’

“My dear Keir, this is a historic moment, because this is the first UK-EU summit and it is a success”, von der Leyen told Starmer.

“We’re turning a page, we’re opening a new chapter in our unique relationship.”

The EC president – and former German defence minister – said the summit was the first step towards UK participation in Europe’s defence investment programme, called SAFE. This could open up €150bn in loans and funding to UK defence companies.

Von der Leyen said the Windsor Framework arrangements would still apply, arguing that Northern Ireland would gain from both the EU single market and the UK internal market.

A statement from the EC press office confirmed that, until an SPS agreement is in effect, “the SPS arrangements under the Windsor Framework continue to apply and need to be delivered in full, both in terms of flexibilities and safeguards”.

Free trade an ‘engine’ for prosperity

Costa, European Council president and former Portuguese PM, said he was “proud to say, we together have delivered.”

“We both believe in free trade – fair, sustainable and open – as the engine of prosperity for our citizens and for the global economy.”

“Likeminded allies are not a luxury, but a necessity. We are neighbours, allies, partners, and we are friends,” he said.

“From now on, the EU and UK will meet every year.”

Russia sanctions

Costa said that the UK and EU must be “guardians” of the rules-based international order, pointing to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as an example of their joint work.

He also announced a new package of sanctions on Russia, calling on Putin to agree an unconditional ceasefire.

“The UK and the EU are stronger when we stand together.”

Reaction

Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader and a former trade minister, said that the UK was “becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again”.

The Conservatives’ social media account said the party would “take back” any powers Starmer gave away if the party returned to government.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticised the social media reaction from some Conservative politicians, saying “our country has moved on” from the Brexit debates.

Reform UK said that the PM had “surrendered to Brussels”.

Sarah Baker, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) head of economics, said since Brexit, “trade friction has disproportionately impacted SME export businesses most notably with the amount of red tape creating challenges around groupage.

"Export Health Certificate (EHC) cost has also added an extra financial burden across the industry."