UK-EU Summit 2025-05-20

The Leader of the Opposition criticised the Prime Minister's deals with India, US, and EU as failures. She argued that the fishing deal locks out British fishermen until 2038, leaving them in a worse position than the Faroe Islands. On food and agriculture, she claimed the deal capitulates to Brussels regulations without UK say. In energy, it shackles Britain to the EU’s emissions trading scheme, undermining the India free trade agreement. She also pointed out that the Prime Minister's manifesto promises of not rejoining the single market and protecting British interests have been broken.

The Prime Minister's announcement about the EU reset deal was merely spin and does not deliver substantive changes. The Prime Minister has made multiple U-turns, including on a youth mobility scheme, which now is rebranded as an 'experience' without clear details. There are no commitments in defence spending or clarity on financial payments to Brussels. This deal is being misrepresented to the public; for example, it does not guarantee access to EU e-gates at airports where some already exist.

Defended the EU reset deal as a positive agreement for UK businesses and farmers. The SPS agreement reduces red tape and bureaucracy for food and agricultural products going to the EU, benefiting supermarkets, farmers, and others. The deal includes better operational coordination on defence and access to the EU's €150 billion procurement fund, enhanced law enforcement cooperation with Europol, easier market access for British fish through shellfish trade deals, a youth mobility scheme with caps and time limits, and ongoing alignment of standards without loss of advantage.

Congratulated the Prime Minister on embracing half of the Select Committee’s recommendations. Acknowledged that while some in this House are proposing trade barriers, the Prime Minister is building bridges which is in the national interest. The deal lacks a date and certainty for businesses to plan, customs checks in Northern Ireland cannot be suspended without knowing when SPS will come into effect.

Welcomed parts of the deal but noted that it does not go far enough to fix broken relationships with Europe. Welcomes agrifood deals, youth mobility scheme, closer alliances on defence. The deal must be a first step towards more ambitious economic and security ties. Proposes a bespoke customs union as part of forming a new partnership serving national interest.

Jenkin criticised the Prime Minister for disregarding the leave vote result from the Brexit referendum. He argued that the UK is submitting to EU regulations without control and starting to pay money back, which he considers a betrayal of the Leave supporters.

Hillier congratulated the Prime Minister on securing trade deals but asked for clarity on the main economic gains that will boost growth and enable increased public spending.

McVey questioned the impact assessment of the youth scheme, its effects on British youth unemployment, particularly among white working-class boys, and asked about the cap on numbers coming to the UK.

Law invited Conservative Members to celebrate restored access for shellfishers and reduction in frictions on seafood exports to the EU, and asked the Prime Minister to encourage deployment of fishing and coastal community funding.

Olney inquired about a timescale for implementing the youth experience scheme after repeatedly being told by Labour that there were no plans, seeking clarity on when such benefits could be seen.

De Cordova congratulated the Government on securing a good deal which will benefit businesses and consumers. She welcomed the youth experience scheme and touring artist recognition, asking for continued efforts to reduce barriers.

Flynn questioned the Prime Minister’s claim of unprecedented access, urging him to build on carbon storage co-operation by committing financial support to projects like Acorn in Scotland.

Minns asked about the importance of this deal to food and drink businesses such as Carr’s biscuit factory, noting its historical significance for her constituency.

Baldwin questioned how much UK taxpayers' money the Prime Minister is willing to hand over to the EU in exchange for protectionist demands, referencing previous fishing rights negotiations.

Patrick inquired about how the deal supports the energy industry's pursuit of growth and tackling climate change. He highlighted his constituency’s focus on carbon capture and hydrogen storage.

Asked the Prime Minister about veterinary medicines and the Windsor framework. Highlighted inconsistencies in EU treatment of products from Northern Ireland.

Defended the SPS agreement as beneficial for Northern Ireland and acknowledged issues with veterinary medicines but emphasised cooperation with the EU to resolve them. Emphasised importance of implementing existing agreements before negotiating new ones.

Highlighted the previous Conservative Government's negative impact on UK citizens, especially in terms of travel and export restrictions. Asked about benefits of e-gates arrangement for holidaymakers.

Replied that the new agreement with EU ensures no impediment to e-gate usage, allowing quicker implementation by member states.

Critiqued dynamic alignment as making Britain a rule-taker from the EU. Questioned ECJ's role in dispute resolution under new trade deals.

Stated that rules will go through parliamentary process and highlighted independent arbitration in resolving disputes, not ECJ dominance as claimed by Mr Francois.

Welcomed the deal for farmers but asked about opportunities for young people to travel and study abroad.

Confirmed intent to provide opportunities for youth exchange programmes focused on work, volunteering, studying in Europe.

Discussed the 2020 deal's negative impact on farmers' export market. Asked about when farmers could benefit from new opportunities provided by the agreement.

Acknowledged previous government’s mistakes, committed to easing red tape for EU exports and promised prompt implementation of benefits.

Welcomed the deal and its implications on student exchanges. Asked if it would strengthen relationships with the EU for future generations.

Confirmed that the deal will provide life-changing experiences for young people, supporting opportunities to study and travel in Europe.

Critiqued the PM on fishing industry concessions, freedom of movement issues, ECJ rule-taking. Suggested political implications for Conservative MPs from his party's position.

Highlighted benefits of deal in job creation and cost reduction, dismissing Reform’s criticisms as misguided.

Asked about the conflicting opinions from business leaders and politicians regarding the deal's merits. Inquired on whose advice Livingston constituents should follow.

Defended the deal by citing support from major exporters like Salmon Scotland, criticised SNP for aligning with Reform against trade opportunities.

Questioned why mutual recognition of food standards wasn't negotiated instead of potential future changes dictated by the EU.

Directed the question back to Boris Johnson, implying that it was a previous decision.

Welcomed benefits of the deal for young people and lower bills. Questioned SNP's isolationist approach on international trade.

Challenged SNP’s position as against Scotland's interest, urged reconsideration of their stance.

Discussed the deal in terms of ending past arguments. Asked about timescale for youth opportunities from Erasmus programme.

Acknowledged need to balance approach but promised prompt implementation as instructed by both sides.

She questioned whether the deal is better for British coastal communities, highlighting concerns about access to UK waters until 2038. She also mentioned that under her party's previous deal, export health certificates cost an extra £200 on every consignment.

He thanked the Prime Minister for removing barriers to trade and sought further information on how the deal would bring down the cost of living for his constituents. He highlighted endorsements from supermarkets regarding lower prices due to the deal.

She welcomed incremental improvements but noted that these benefits were available 10 years ago within the EU. She questioned whether the Prime Minister would have argued for retaining single market benefits had he known how detrimental leaving it would be.

He criticised the Conservatives' fundamental dislike of Europe, noting their opposition to deals with India and the US. He also questioned the absence of arbitration systems in trade deals.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister's lack of detailed answers about the deal, urging for a proper debate on the signed-off document before it can be ratified by the House.

She praised the deal as benefiting Scottish businesses, citing support from the chief executive of the Scottish chambers of commerce. She highlighted reduced costs and easier market access for these firms.

On behalf of her party, she welcomed progress but noted it falls short of pre-Brexit relations. She questioned why the Prime Minister is cautious about youth mobility schemes despite their benefits to young people.

She congratulated the deal's improvement in co-operation on cross-border crime and asked if it enhances law enforcement capabilities. She highlighted her previous work with Eurojust, a key EU body for judicial cooperation.

He welcomed the reduction of red tape but noted advanced manufacturers still face challenges in integrated supply chains with the EU. He sought assurances on reducing trade barriers further to support job growth.

He thanked the Prime Minister for lowering trade barriers and welcomed a youth experience scheme mirroring agreements with Australia and New Zealand. He highlighted cultural opportunities for young people.

He raised concerns about future oil and gas production in the North Sea, seeking assurances that climate policy alignment will not impede new licences necessary for energy security and job creation.

Law criticises the UK Government's Brexit policy for disregarding Scotland’s desire to remain in the EU. He states that recent measures fail to address the economic harm caused by Brexit, citing figures from the UK Government showing a 20 times greater cost compared to this deal.

Naismith praises the Prime Minister for securing a pragmatic trade deal that respects the referendum result without settling for a poor agreement. He warns the Conservatives and Reform against undermining this deal, suggesting higher food and energy prices would follow.

Cross questions the Prime Minister on abandoning annual access agreements to secure a 12-year multi-annual agreement with the EU. She demands Parliament's final say over fisheries deals, opposing unelected officials making decisions.

White congratulates the Prime Minister on the deal, emphasising its benefits for businesses and youth mobility scheme which she believes should not just benefit middle-class kids but all young people in her constituency.

Murrison asks how Britain’s head start in gene-editing technology will be impacted by the reversionary measures announced, seeking clarity on future engagements regarding this issue.

Swallow queries if the deal will ease pressure on food prices and reduce costs for consumers. He cites support from major supermarkets and industry bodies who expect benefits from the agreement.

Voaden welcomes the SPS part of the deal, inquiring specifically about bivalve molluscs being included in the SPS agreement for her constituents who are important exporters from Brixham.

Huq praises the Prime Minister's deal-breaking of Brexit logjam and requests a timeline for further details on the youth experience scheme that benefits universities, English language teaching sectors, and young people generally.

Reed questions how long it will take to access the European defence fund after securing this agreement. He expects speed in addressing security issues amid challenges in Ukraine.

Sullivan thanks the Prime Minister for negotiating a deal good for Scotland's businesses and welcomes the youth experience scheme. She calls for swift resolution to allow sportspeople and musicians to showcase their talents without Brexit constraints.

Perteghella highlights the benefits of Creative Europe Programme and seeks government’s willingness to participate again for boosting creative industries’ economic potential.

Charters congratulates the Prime Minister on securing a deal that makes York residents better off, particularly praising agreements on e-gates. He requests prioritisation of talks with member states in popular holiday destinations to ease summer travel.

Obese-Jecty questions further negotiation details required before British firms can bid for the SAFE fund, seeking clarity on creating thousands of jobs. He cites industry response as somewhat underwhelming.

Asked if the Brexit deal would benefit higher education and whether it would help in attracting the best talent.

Questioned the necessity of a £140 million border post being built in his constituency given the Prime Minister's assurances about reducing unnecessary checks at borders.

Asked if the Prime Minister agreed that Scottish defence firms would benefit from gaining access to the €150 billion European defence fund, which is a significant opportunity for jobs and manufacturers in Scotland.

Asked about the cost of the Brexit deal and whether there would be no further expenditure to the EU.

Congratulated the Prime Minister on securing a landmark deal with European neighbours but asked about visa delays for local actors and performers seeking work in Europe.

Suggested that Brits should have equal rights to six-month visits to the continent as EU visitors do here, questioning the 90-day and 180-day rule.

Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement about food prices and the deal, asking for clarity on the benefits of the agreement from businesses' perspectives.

Critiqued the dynamic alignment as undermining sovereignty and requested that the European Scrutiny Committee be reinstated to scrutinise EU rules.

Congratulated the Prime Minister on a common-sense reset deal, emphasising its importance for younger generations and asked about how schools and universities can shape youth mobility schemes.

Re-emphasised the need to equalize travel rights between EU citizens and Brits, highlighting the impact of the rolling 90-day rule on agricultural consultancy.

Welcomed the deal for its impact on British metal manufacturing businesses and asked if the Prime Minister would continue to support such industries.

Asked about safeguards to ensure that a youth mobility scheme is not seen as open borders by constituents who voted for control of their borders in 2016.

Called on the Prime Minister to continue working to open more borders for businesses, particularly SMEs that stopped trading with Europe due to a previous deal.

Asked the Prime Minister to commit to removing medicine supply barriers with Europe and delivering an agreement with the European Medicines Agency.

Welcomed deals with India, US and repairing ties with Europe, asked for quick finalisation of schemes allowing young people to live, work and study in Europe.

Questioned if the Prime Minister had ceded control over regulations by agreeing not to be a rule taker but instead discussing rules in this place.

Welsh lamb exports to the EU exceed 90%, and the speaker supports the Prime Minister's deal as it benefits food and drink producers in Wales.

Swann questions the need for additional bureaucracy under the Windsor framework before a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement is finalised, suggesting it would add costs to Northern Ireland businesses.

Toale welcomes the reintroduction of pet passports as it will make travel to Europe easier and reduce costs for British consumers. She asks how her constituents can benefit from this deal.

Pochin challenges the Prime Minister, claiming the deal brings back EU jurisdiction under the European Court of Justice, which she sees as a surrendering of judicial sovereignty.

Dean supports the youth experience scheme within the deal that allows young people to live, work, and travel freely in Europe. He criticises the Conservatives for being against every trade deal.

Wood asks about measures available to the EU if Parliament chooses not to adopt new European Union laws, specifically regarding food safety rules.

Wrighting discusses how previous Conservative Governments damaged relationships with trading partners and emphasises that Labour is putting national interest first in trade deals.

Jones raises concerns about the lack of cooperation on access to medicines during the UK-EU summit, suggesting a meeting between the Minister for Secondary Care and himself.

Atkinson asks how the deal will support jobs in Sunderland's manufacturing and music industries, highlighting the need for certainty for exporters like Nissan.

Reynolds questions how future EU research programmes can be accessed after Horizon finishes, seeking assurance from the Prime Minister on continued commitment to research.

Darlington criticises red tape imposed by Conservatives and welcomes the deal for reducing barriers for small businesses. She asks when these measures will be implemented.

Allister notes that the SPS deal only applies to Great Britain, not Northern Ireland, and questions whether customs checks will continue on goods from GB to Northern Ireland.

Crichton criticises the privatisation of fishing quotas in England and Scotland and supports the deal for its benefits to prawn fishermen, shellfish producers, salmon producers, and crofters.

Foord questions why access to the €150 billion defence industrial programme is not included in the current deal despite Ministers' weekend claims of nothing being agreed until everything is agreed.

Strathern supports the deal for driving down food costs and removing barriers for farmers, criticising opposition parties for wanting to reintroduce these barriers.

The Prime Minister has spent the past hour and a half indicating the benefits that he sees from the deal. Does he recognise that a potentially toxic side effect of the deal is that some on the left of UK politics will see this as the first step towards rowing back on what the people voted for nine years ago, while those on the right of UK politics will see a determination to stop them? Rather than the deal bringing people together, it could therefore cause toxic division.

We have taken a pragmatic, common-sense approach, with an absolute focus on reducing bills—that is hugely important to people, particularly in a cost of living crisis—and driving up jobs in our economy. Those are the principles that have driven this. I recognise that those at the extremes, on whichever side people want to say that they are on, will never be satisfied, but the country is fed up with nine years-worth of continued discussion, debate and toxic divide. It is time to move on from that and to look forward, not backward, and this deal will help us do that.

The truth is that this deal with the EU is good for my constituents in Fife, good for Scotland, and good for the UK. Does the Prime Minister agree that the SNP is tying itself up in knots over this deal? While the right hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn) and the Scottish First Minister are desperate to talk it down, the Deputy First Minister was in Downing Street last night saying how wonderful it is, and she is right.

I learned this morning that the Deputy First Minister was in the garden at Downing Street last night. She was with businesses for a business reception. It was buzzing, because they were celebrating the deal. It was good to have her there. I would like to see other SNP Members joining her, because she has the right judgment on this one.

Fishermen in my constituency were let down by the Conservatives and their Brexit friends, and they now feel very disappointed by the news about EU vessel access within the six to 12-mile zone. Both before and since Brexit, we have retained regulatory autonomy in that zone. Will the Prime Minister ensure that we exercise our right to control the access of vessels in that area, and have control of grandfather rights, kilowatt effort and fishing methods, as well as other regulatory controls, to ensure that the area is properly regulated?

The arrangements are the same as those currently in place, and they are reciprocal, which is really important. What will be of huge benefit to the hon. Member’s constituents will be the reduction in red tape and bureaucracy for them when selling stock to the EU market, which is where a huge percentage—over 70%—of it goes to. That will come without the red tape, which drives up their costs.

Interventions such as those from the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois) have really demonstrated that the Conservative party has parted company with those of us who have run small exporting businesses. Perhaps instead of collaborating with those on the Reform Benches, he could talk to small businesses in my constituency in the defence supply chain, or those who support Nissan by being in its automotive supply chain, and who stand to benefit from this trade deal. Does the Prime Minister agree that we are not carping on and talking down our country, as Reform and the Conservatives do? Instead, this Labour Government’s plan for change is delivering for British jobs and British businesses.

Yes. There is only one party of business now, and it is right here, in government.

I support the fishing sector in Portavogie in my constituency, and the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation there speaks on behalf of those in Ardglass and Kilkeel as well. As the Member for South Down (Chris Hazzard) does not bother attending the House, we have to speak for all those fishing villages. Too often in negotiations between the UK and the EU, our fishing industry has been the sacrificial lamb. Does the Prime Minister agree that just as the annexation of Northern Ireland should not have been the price that the previous Government paid for exiting the EU, the interests of both Northern Ireland and the wider UK fishing industry should not be expendable? Will he commit to bringing forward additional financial and practical support for our local fleets in those three ports, and for processors, as they grapple with reduced access in the years ahead?

I assure the hon. Member that the £360 million fund will be brought forward as quickly as possible. We can discuss with him in due course how that will affect his constituents and those he is representing effectively in the Chamber today.

I congratulate the Prime Minister on a realistic, sober, sensible deal that will deliver for businesses in my constituency, including, through the SPS deal, those like Northumberland Honey, which face real barriers to exporting. I particularly welcome the first step to a youth mobility experience. The economy of the north-east, with its world-class universities, has much to gain. Does he agree that it is through fostering co-operation, interdependence and trade that we defeat the radical right, not just in the Chamber but at the ballot box?

We need to take common-sense steps, in our national interest, on the economy, trade and security. It is important that young people have those opportunities.

I thank you for getting everybody in, Madam Deputy Speaker; it has been a mammoth session. I thank the Prime Minister for his statement. I notice that many businesses are in support of the deal. My constituency is home to many great businesses, from manufacturing companies to pharmaceutical companies, and from defence manufacturers to food exporters. Will the Prime Minister outline how the deal will benefit my great businesses in Harlow?

It will massively reduce bureaucracy and red tape, making it easier for businesses to do business. It will also open up opportunities on defence and security. That is why it has been so welcomed by the business community.