From food prices to border queues, a new UK-EU agreement aims to make life easier for British people and businesses
The UK has agreed a major new deal with the European Union that promises to support British jobs, lower food prices, and ease everyday burdens for families and businesses alike.
After months of behind-the-scenes talks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the agreement on 19 May 2025, describing it as “good for jobs, good for bills, and good for our borders”. It’s the third major trade breakthrough this month, following agreements with the US and India.
A key part of the deal is a new SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) agreement to cut red tape around food imports and exports. That means fewer checks at the border and smoother trade flows – especially for farmers and food producers. British favourites like sausages and burgers can now be sold back into the EU, helping revive a sector hit hard since Brexit. Shoppers may also benefit, with more choice and potentially lower prices at the tills.
In a move that’ll help the environment and industry, the UK and EU will link their carbon trading systems. This avoids a looming £800 million EU carbon tax on British firms and strengthens energy security at home.
British steel is also getting a lifeline, with a tailored deal saving the industry £25 million a year in tariffs.
Everyday life could get easier too: UK travellers will be able to use more eGates across Europe, cutting queue times at airports. Pet owners will be pleased to hear that ‘pet passports’ are returning, making travel with cats and dogs far simpler.
For young people, a new youth mobility scheme is in the works, offering capped, temporary opportunities to work and travel in the EU again.
The deal also includes stronger crime-fighting powers, with the UK starting talks on sharing facial recognition data, and new defence ties that could open access to a €150 billion European security fund—supporting jobs and keeping the continent safer.
And in good news for coastal communities, a 12-year fishing agreement protects UK waters and includes a £360 million investment in the British fleet.
While migration control remains a priority, the government says this deal focuses on “common-sense cooperation”—boosting prosperity without returning to old EU arrangements like the single market or freedom of movement.