UK and EU agree to negotiate food and farm standards deal at London summit

The first UK-EU summit since Brexit took place in London on 19 May 2025. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. It was billed as a "reset" of relations after years of friction following the UK's departure from the EU.

The two sides agreed to negotiate a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, covering food safety and animal and plant health rules. The aim was to cut border checks and paperwork on trade in food and farm products, which had raised costs and caused delays for exporters since Brexit. In practice, such a deal would require the UK to keep its rules aligned with EU standards in these areas, with a role for EU law and its court in how they are applied.

The summit also produced agreement to work towards a youth experience scheme allowing younger people to live and work or study across the border, and an extension of EU fishing access to UK waters. Supporters saw economic benefits and smoother trade, while critics argued the alignment limited the UK's freedom to set its own rules. Detailed negotiations followed the summit.