Brexit panic as EU demands Starmer makes changes to the deal on free movement and fishing.uk
The UK will have to submit to ECJ rulings and allow EU fishermen continued access to British waters if it wants a new deal, a leaked Brussels document says.
The EU will demand Britain surrender fishing rights and dismantle its marine protections (Image: Getty)
The European Union will demand Sir Keir Starmer gives EU fishermen access to British waters and accept ECJ legal rulings in exchange for a new Brexit trade deal, a report has said.
Brussels wants Britain to hand over legal decisions and judgements to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for an improved trading relationship.
A blueprint seen by The Times is reported to say Sir Keir would have to guarantee EU fishermen access to UK waters and “effectively” undo Britain’s marine protections.
The document will be presented to a council of European ministers next week, according to the same publication ahead of formal trade talks set to start in 2025.
As a start, Britain must accept the “status quo” on fishing before talks can begin, with the same level of catch allowances and access for EU boats.
Keir Starmer would have to guarantee EU fishermen access to UK seas (Image: Getty)
Another EU demand includes the dismantling of the UK’s marine protection policy, amid French-led opposition.
The document also says Starmer has to agree to drag all existing and new EU laws on food and agriculture onto the UK’s statute books and for Britain to submit to ECJ rulings over EU law.
According to The Times, the document states: “Member states are open to considering an agreement with the UK that would remove the SPS border between Great Britain and the Union on condition that there is full alignment to the Union acquis, and the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU is preserved for the interpretation of Union law”.
SPS stands for sanitary and phytosanitary. It is a term used to describe animal and plant goods, which under the existing EU-UK trade deal require extra certificates and licences.
Brussels will also push for changes to freedom of movement with a youth mobility scheme, which had been rejected by the Labour Government over concerns about its impact on Britain’s net migration.
Britain would have to agree to align with EU rules on plant and animal imports (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir has ruled out a return to the EU’s single market, customs union and freedom of movement, but he wants a new veterinary deal to reduce border checks. He also wants mutual recognition for some professional qualifications.
Among the Prime Minister’s many overseas visits since entering Downing Street in July, he has visited Paris, Berlin, Dublin and Rome as part of a charm offensive ahead of next year’s talks.
The first of a series of regular UK-EU leader summits is due to take place early next year. Sir Keir and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, have already agreed to strengthen cooperation.
Formal talks on the UK’s existing Brexit deal with the bloc are due to begin in 2025.
The Department for Business and Trade has been approached for comment.
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