EU and UK ink post-Brexit deal on security, fish and energy

By Jon Stone, Nicholas Vinocur, Camille Gijs, Sophie Inge | 05/19/2025 12:32 PM EDT

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain’s “back on the world stage” — but he’s facing scrutiny over a big compromise on fish.

European Council President Antonio Costa, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen pose for a picture in front of members of the Royal Navy.

(Left to right) European Council President António Costa, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen pose in front of members of the Royal Navy following the U.K.-EU Summit on Monday in London. Pool photo by Stefan Rousseau

LONDON — Britain and the European Union agreed on a new defense and security pact Monday, as part of a wide-ranging “reset” of relations between London and Brussels after years of Brexit bad blood.

In a sweeping deal on the day of a major summit in London, the two capitals also agreed to extend generous fishing rights for EU fleets in British waters for another 12 years, until 2038.

That marked a big concession on the U.K. side after intense lobbying from France, and prompted immediate scrutiny back home for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Negotiators worked late into the night Sunday to strike the accord ahead of the London summit at Lancaster House.

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