The UK and the European Union hailed a new chapter in their relationship after they sealed new agreements on defense cooperation and easing trade flows at their first formal summit since Brexit. Extensive negotiations over the past six months have led to the third major deal struck by the UK government in as many weeks, following the US and India, which the Prime Minister says will be “good for jobs, good for bills and good for our borders”.

As part of the deal, a new agreement will make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border. This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses. Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed completely, allowing goods to flow freely again, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The UK and EU have also reached a new 12-year agreement that protects Britain’s fishing access, fishing rights and fishing areas with no increase in the amount of fish EU vessels can catch in British waters, providing stability and certainty for the sector.

Scottish salmon producers welcome the deal

Salmon Scotland, which represents the UK’s biggest food export, said that the UK-EU trade deal would reduce costly delays and red tape that have cost salmon export companies an estimated £3 million a year since Brexit.
France is the biggest market for Scottish salmon, with 500 lorryloads of fresh, nutritious fish from the Highlands and islands entering Europe each week. Salmon Scotland supports 12,500 jobs and generates £760 million for the economy. The organization also pointed to growth potential in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, where demand is rising despite tough competition from Norway and Chile. That market pressure has been intensified by continuing 10% US tariffs on salmon.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said that “this breakthrough eases the burden on our farmers, processors and the communities they support, and we welcome efforts to implement it at pace. The withdrawal of physical checks is particularly welcome. It means lower costs and quicker deliveries for our customers. “We look forward to rebuilding trade ties across Europe and will continue to press for freer access to the US and other markets to support jobs and growth in our coastal communities.”