British passport holders will now be able to use fast-track e-gates at EU airports, under a new “reset deal” between the UK and the European Union, aimed at improving post-Brexit relations.
The deal was struck during a high-level summit in London attended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.
The agreement aims to facilitate smoother travel, bolster trade, enhance defence cooperation and reinvigorate ties frayed by Brexit.
UK travellers will now benefit from access to electronic passport gates at EU airports, previously restricted to EU and EEA nationals. The UK government said this move would reduce passport control queues and enhance travel convenience for British citizens.
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade called the decision “excellent news” for British holidaymakers and said it would significantly ease the passenger experience.
The agreement also includes new provisions for pet travel. Pet passports will return, removing the need for animal health certificates for each trip to the EU, making travel easier for cats and dogs.
In a major win for British exporters, the EU has agreed to lift its longstanding ban on UK sausages and fresh meat, in place since January 2021.
Meanwhile, shellfish exports from the UK to the EU will resume, with Starmer highlighting these developments as a sign of progress.
However, not all aspects of the deal have been welcomed. A new 12-year fishing agreement allows EU vessels continued access to British waters until 2038. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation described the arrangement as a “horror show” and accused the UK government of betraying the fishing industry to secure other gains.
Phil Taylor of marine charity Open Seas argued the debate overlooked key facts, noting that many UK boats already land catch in Europe and that questions remain on environmental protections.
On defence, a new security partnership could provide UK firms access to the EU’s £150 billion defence fund, promoting job creation and cooperation across the sector.
A youth mobility scheme has also been agreed, permitting capped numbers of young people to live and work across borders. While critics have branded it “free movement by the back door,” ministers insist it is a limited exchange programme with visa requirements.
The deal also protects British steel exports from new EU tariffs, potentially saving the UK industry £25 million annually. The food and drink trade is expected to improve with a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which could cut export delays and consumer prices.
Politically, the deal has sparked mixed reactions. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch accused the government of surrendering to EU demands. Badenoch particularly criticised the fishing terms. But former M&S chairman Lord Rose praised the deal as a necessary reset amid global shifts.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the youth scheme, comparing it to other capped and time-limited international programmes.
The agreement signals a significant shift in UK-EU relations post-Brexit, offering practical benefits for citizens and businesses while reigniting debate over sovereignty and national interest.
Keywords: UK-EU deal, e-gates, Brexit reset, pet passports, sausage war, fishing agreement, youth mobility, British steel, food exports, defence partnership, Keir Starmer, Ursula von der Leyen
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