The UK and EU have reportedly reached a ‘reset’ deal, which could change travel, boost defence and reduce red tape on trade.
Negotiators are thought to have finalised the details of the landmark deal designed to reset the relationship between the UK and the European Union following Brexit.
The deal was approved by the EU ambassador’s committee after talks into the early hours of the morning, Sky News understands.
Further details of the agreement are yet to be revealed, but Sky said progress was made on fishing so that a deal could be secured on checks on veterinary goods.
Vessels from the EU are reportedly allowed to ship in the UK waters for 12 years, while there was no reduction in the quota dictating how much British ships can catch, according to the broadcaster.
Other key issues on the table include travel and the use of e-gates at EU airports.
If included in the deal, British travellers could soon use the electronic boarding gates at EU airports, making journeys quicker.
Defence will also be discussed as the UK is seeking access to the £125,000,000,000 defence fund that could give a boost to British companies and create jobs.
A sticking point is likely to be the youth movement scheme, which has caused an uproar in the UK.
It could allow tens of thousands of young people from the UK to move to an EU country and vica versa.
Conservatives labelled it free movement ‘by the back door.’
However, the exact details of the youth movement scheme are yet to be revealed, including a cap on the number of people.
The EU has reportedly allowed talks to continue on the scheme rather than setting a concrete agreement on it yet, according to Sky.
Reaction to the reset deal
Reform leader Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the deal of being a ‘surrender’ ahead of further details.
Badenoch said the early details of the deal are ‘very concerning.’
She said: ’12 years access to British waters is three times longer than the government wanted.
‘We’re becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again. And with no details on any cap or time limits on youth mobility, fears of free movement returning will only increase.’
Conservatives said their ‘red lines’ include fishing rights like resisting ‘a multi-year agreement which only benefits France’ and exclusive access to Britain’s territorial waters, iNews reports.
Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins said: ‘The Conservatives have always stood up for our coastal communities, and our fishing industries.
‘Labour must not throw our fishing rights overboard in their desperation to bail out their failing fiscal policies’
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