UK and EU open formal talks on aligning food and animal standards

In October 2025, British and European Union negotiators began formal talks on a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, covering food safety, animal health and plant health rules. It followed the political commitment made at the UK-EU summit in May 2025, part of the Labour government's effort to "reset" relations after Brexit.

The central idea was dynamic alignment. Under it, the UK would keep its food and farming rules in step with EU law as that law changed, rather than setting its own standards. The aim was to remove many of the border checks and paperwork that have slowed trade in meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables and other products since Britain left the EU's single market.

The proposal was politically sensitive. Supporters argued it would cut costs for exporters and ease supplies to Northern Ireland. Critics said it meant accepting rules the UK would have little say in writing, and could limit trade deals with other countries and the freedom to set domestic food policy. The talks made later disputes over what British shoppers can buy, including debates about specific products, a live political issue.