BORDER PAPERWORK, MEET THE SHREDDER! The UK and EU have agreed a draft deal on removing post-Brexit checks from food and agriculture exports, ahead of a UK-EU summit later this month, the BBC reported.
The BBC understands a 200-page draft “SPS” (sanitary and phytosanitary) text has been circulated to EU nations for a Wednesday meeting in Brussels. Similar drafts cover emissions trading and a youth travel and work scheme, plus a 15-page joint statement for leaders.
The government claims the food deal alone could eventually deliver £5.1bn in annual economic benefits. Fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from domestic waters and seed potatoes could resume EU exports. It should remove the need for £200 Export Health Certificates and £25 Phytosanitary certificates, cut inspector and port fees, and bring back passports for British pets entering the EU.
In return, the UK is expected to commit to “dynamic alignment” with EU plant, animal and food trade standards. Bio&Me’s Jon Walsh told BBC 5 Live his firm stopped exporting yoghurt because a vet inspection cost £140 per pallet. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called dynamic alignment a red line; Reform UK’s Richard Tice said returning to EU alignment would “crush Britain’s competitiveness.”
A food deal would also radically reduce the post-Brexit Irish Sea border paperwork for Northern Ireland. Drafts go to EU ambassadors (Coreper) on Wednesday.
Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration by Bugle Blast.
Sources: BBC News
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