The British government has firmly rejected an EU proposal to link fishing rights with ongoing negotiations over defense and security cooperation, a move that risks complicating Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s broader efforts to reset post-Brexit relations with Brussels. Speaking to Parliament on Tuesday, UK Fishing Minister Daniel Zeichner confirmed that there would be “no linkage” between fisheries access and other talks, such as border checks or a new UK-EU defense pact.
UK Dismisses Quid Pro Quo Strategy from Brussels
The European Union had signaled it may only move forward on Starmer’s key priorities—such as a defense partnership and streamlined border controls—if the UK offers concessions on fishing access after 2026. France, in particular, is seeking more permanent access to British waters, fearing economic losses when the current agreement expires in June 2026.
But Zeichner told the Environment Committee that the UK would not yield under pressure: “The French will say what they will say, but we are absolutely determined to stand up for the interests of the UK fishing industry.”
No Trade-Offs in Brexit Follow-Up Talks, UK Says
Zeichner stressed that the government will pursue fisheries negotiations independently. “There is lots of speculation,” he said, “but no decisions have been taken and there is no linkage.” The comments appear to rebuff a report in The Financial Times that Paris is conditioning progress on defense discussions upon fishing guarantees.
Despite this, other EU countries—including Sweden—have backed a dual-track approach, suggesting both fishing and security should be resolved simultaneously.
Security Pact Vital for UK Amid Shifting US Role
A new UK-EU security pact is central to Starmer’s foreign policy, especially amid uncertainty over US support for European defense under Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. Brussels is pushing forward with a €150 billion rearmament program that would exclude the UK without a formal agreement.
However, the UK’s refusal to tie fisheries to the broader deal may stall negotiations, even as EU nations emphasize resolving “sensitive issues” together.
UK Fishing Industry Urged to Hold the Line
Zeichner’s comments were backed by Environment Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael, who said the UK fishing sector remains wary of further setbacks. “Fishermen felt that the Brexit deal didn’t deliver what they expected,” he said. “Any backward step will be viewed very bleakly by the industry.”
Zeichner pledged to secure the “best possible outcome” for the sector, saying, “The fishing industry has been let down before, and I don’t intend to let that happen again.”
