UK premier, main opposition leader clash over new EU reset deal

- 'This is not a deal made for Britain. This is a deal made for Labour’s PR to show them on the world stage,' says Kemi Badenoch

LONDON

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his government's new trade and security deal with the European Union on Tuesday, but the main opposition Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, described it as a deal that benefited the EU rather than Britain.

In his statement to the House of Commons regarding the new EU reset deal, Starmer said it provides Britain with an "unprecedented level" of access to the EU market.

"The principles we took into the negotiations are clear and simple. Does it drive down bills? Does it drive up jobs? Does it strengthen our borders? And in each case, the answer is resoundingly yes," he noted.

On Monday, Starmer hosted the much-anticipated summit with European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

During the first summit since the UK's exit from the EU, known as Brexit, the UK and the EU reached an agreement on fishing, trade, defense, and energy.

The British premier also stressed that this partnership will strengthen the country's national security through the new security and defense partnership with the EU.

For the prime minister, it also paved the way for UK defense firms to tap into the EU's €150 billion (approximately $168.4 billion) defense fund, which will support British jobs, wages, and livelihoods.

Starmer emphasized that the new partnership closes the gap left by the previous EU deal, which includes joint work on returns and the prevention of English Channel crossings.

'This is not a deal made for Britain'

Main opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, who has already labeled the deal as "surrender," for his part, criticized the Labour Party government, saying: "When Labour negotiates, Britain loses."

She asserted that the terms are actually "improved for the EU."

"This is not a deal made for Britain. This is a deal made for Labour’s PR to show them on the world stage, but it is a stitch-up for our country for their short-term headlines," said Badenoch.

On the fishing agreement, which extends European fishing boats' access to UK waters for another 12 years, the main opposition leader said Starmer "has given away the prize most desired by EU member states," claiming that it is done for "almost nothing."

"This deal locks out our fishermen until 2038. We are now in a worse position than the Faroe Islands," she said.

Most of what was announced on Monday was "not a deal," as there was no binding agreement on anything, said Badenoch, adding that most of the items outlined are "simply agreements to enter into further discussions."

In response, Starmer reiterated that the UK will reap significant benefits, citing the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which reduces red tape and bureaucracy for all food and agriculture entering the UK.

"That's a massive boost for our supermarkets, for our farmers, and for others," he added.

Accusing the Conservative Party's leader of being "against every single deal," Starmer said this deal has been widely welcomed.

In response to a question about the country's red lines on key Brexit terms such as customs unions and freedom of movement, Starmer reaffirmed that his government's red line is "not rejoining the EU, no single market, no customs union, no freedom of movement."

"We've achieved unprecedented access to EU markets without the budgetary payments of member states; that is an incredible achievement," the prime minister added.