British premier hails new UK, EU agreement on trade, security and mobility

LONDON

The UK prime minister on Monday announced a new agreement with the EU aimed at boosting trade, easing border frictions, and enhancing co-operation on security and migration, marking what Downing Street has described as “a new chapter” in the bilateral relationship.

The deal, finalized after six months of negotiations, is the third major international agreement struck by the UK government in as many weeks, following recent pacts with the US and India, according to a statement by the British government.

Officials say the measures will support economic growth, safeguard British jobs, and bring tangible benefits to households.

Central to the agreement is a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) framework intended to streamline the import and export of food and drink.

The removal of some routine checks on animal and plant products is expected to ease the flow of goods, particularly between Great Britain and Northern Ireland — a long-standing flashpoint in post-Brexit trade.

“This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses,” said the government in a statement.

Ministers argue the measures could help reduce food prices and expand supermarket choice.

The EU remains the UK’s largest trading partner. Since Brexit, UK exports to the bloc have fallen by 21% and imports by 7%, according to official figures.

The deal reopens EU markets to a range of British meat products, including burgers and sausages, which had faced restrictions since the UK’s departure from the 27-member bloc.

Also included in the agreement is a commitment to link the UK and EU’s Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), a move designed to bolster energy security and avoid penalties under the EU’s incoming carbon border tax.

On the security front, the UK will for the first time enter discussions on gaining access to the EU’s facial recognition data, in addition to current cooperation on fingerprints, DNA, and vehicle registration.

The UK said this will “enhance our ability to catch dangerous criminals and ensure they face justice more quickly.”

- Pet passports to return for UK

Travelers are also set to benefit from changes to border arrangements.

British holidaymakers will gain wider access to automated eGates at EU airports, and pet passports will return for UK cats and dogs — a move that will remove the need for repeated health certificates for animal travel.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, outlining the deal, 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 and EU also agreed to formalize defense ties through a new Security and Defense Partnership.

This would enable UK firms to participate in the EU’s proposed £150 billion ($200 billion)“Security Action for Europe” fund, a move expected to support thousands of British jobs.

The youth mobility aspect of the agreement signals the potential return of limited work-and-travel rights for young people, mirroring existing schemes with Australia and New Zealand. Any new scheme would be capped and time-limited.

Despite closer ties, the prime minister reiterated that reducing migration remains a key priority. The deal includes joint commitments to address illegal migration, particularly small boat crossings in the Channel.

Fishing rights, another politically sensitive area since Brexit, have been safeguarded in a new 12-year agreement.

The government says there will be “no increase in the amount of fish EU vessels can catch in British waters.”