Reynolds emphasised the progress made in recent agreements between the UK and the European Union, particularly focusing on travel, defence, fishing, and farming
In a significant development for UK-EU relations, Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, delivered a keynote address at the Brussels Economic Security Forum on Thursday. Reynolds emphasised the progress made in recent agreements between the UK and the European Union, particularly focusing on travel, defence, fishing, and farming.
The European Union and the UK announced a landmark agreement on May 19, 2023, aimed at strengthening cooperation. This marks the first such deal since the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020. The agreement, often referred to as a “reset,” seeks to address several key areas impacted by Brexit, including travel, defense, fishing, and farming.
One of the most notable outcomes of the agreement is the potential for British holidaymakers to use e-gates at EU airports. Reynolds expressed his hope that this would be implemented “as soon as possible,” highlighting the significant efficiency advantages of e-gates. “I want people who are going on their summer holiday from the UK to have the ease and use of that,” he said. The agreement includes a statement from the EU Commission that there are no legal impediments to the use of e-gates by British travelers. However, the exact timeline for the implementation of this measure has yet to be announced.
The agreement also addresses trade in animal and plant products. Under the new deal, British exports to the EU are expected to face fewer checks. This is particularly significant for the UK’s food industry, which has faced challenges since Brexit. For example, the UK could once again be allowed to export raw sausages and burgers to the EU for the first time since Brexit, thanks to the proposed Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. However, the implementation details of this aspect of the deal are still pending.
Reynolds emphasised the importance of implementing the May agreement and dismissed opposition arguments from the UK’s Conservative and Reform parties. He expressed confidence in building a coalition within the UK that recognises the value of the relationship in terms of trade, rather than focusing on issues of EU membership and constitutional matters. “I think there is a coalition [in the UK] we can build that doesn’t want to look to the past,” he said.
Reynolds also addressed concerns about the UK’s fishing industry, stating that there is no diminishment of the UK’s position compared to the status quo. “Let’s not forget on fishing, there is no less access, no diminishing of the UK position from what is already the case and actually what is already the case is better than it had been in some previous years,” he said. He acknowledged that there will always be those who resist moving forward, but he expressed confidence that such arguments would not prevail in future elections.
The Brussels Economic Security Forum provided a platform for Reynolds to outline the new arrangements and emphasise the UK’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the EU. The agreement reached in May represents a significant step forward in post-Brexit relations, addressing key areas of mutual interest and aiming to reduce the impact of Brexit on both parties.
As the UK and the EU continue to navigate their relationship post-Brexit, the agreement and the steps outlined by Reynolds offer a glimpse into the future of UK-EU cooperation. While challenges remain, the focus on practical measures such as e-gate usage and trade facilitation signals a willingness to find common ground and work towards a mutually beneficial relationship.
The recent developments highlighted by Reynolds at the Brussels Economic Security Forum underscore the ongoing efforts to strengthen UK-EU relations. The agreement reached in May, with its focus on travel, defense, fishing, and farming, marks a significant step forward. As both parties work towards implementing these measures, the hope is that the relationship will continue to evolve in a way that benefits both the UK and the EU.
