Badenoch Slams Labour Leader for Selling Out UK Fishing Rights to EU

Sir Keir Starmer has faced accusations of 'betraying' British fishing interests in pursuit of a new trade agreement with Brussels.

The Prime Minister is nearing an agreement for a reset with the European Union This move will enable British defense firms to compete for a fresh €150 billion defense fund, yet it’s anticipated that they will also offer considerable compromises regarding fishing privileges and free movement.

Brexiteers have responded with fury. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch 'Sequentially, every negotiation conducted by Labour leads to losses for Britain. Keir Starmer made multiple attempts to reverse this trend.' Brexit It defies comprehension that after joining the government, he is compromising our fishing rights. Rather than surrendering to the EU once more, Labour ought to be emphasizing the advantages of Brexit.’

Official government sources refuted any connection between fishing rights and defense matters in the European Union negotiations.

Critics challenged the value of the EU defense fund for the UK defense sector and argued that the Prime Minister ought to focus more on advocating for British defense firms instead.

The European Defence Fund, unveiled by Brussels earlier this month, is designed to assist nations in investing in missile defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, munitions, and cybersecurity measures. Initially, firms like BAE Systems and Babcock were kept out of the initiative due to the UK’s lack of a defense and security agreement with Brussels.

However, a defense source stated: "Our aim is to gain access to European Union funds. Yet, do we consider their importance significant enough to comply with France’s fishing requirements? Definitely not. Actually, such actions undermine our own industry by implying that we lack strength and require EU assistance to sustain ourselves."

'Every defense company requires is for the government to genuinely issue orders.'

The source indicated that the European Union fund is viewed by ministers as a means to aid companies without utilizing UK funds.

Tory environmental spokesperson Victoria Atkins stated: "The European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy devastated our fishing industry. Following Brexit, we achieved significant advancements such as higher catch limits for local fishers and reduced entry of foreign ships into our waters. However, Keir Starmer now intends to return control of our fisheries directly to France."

As part of the deal reached with Boris Johnson in 2020, Britain aims to regain control over 25 percent of its fishing areas by next June, which were previously ceded prior to the 2016 Brexit referendum.

There was optimism about continuing under UK jurisdiction past the deadline; however, both France and Spain are hesitant to consent.

Former Environment Secretary George Eustice pressed the Prime Minister to stop the ongoing fishing talks right away. He stated, "Currently, the UK holds an advantage in these renegotiations since the EU stands to benefit greatly from decreased border inspections and enhanced defense collaboration. It makes no sense to permit the EU to exploit Britain’s fishery assets for free."

Sir Keir is expected to announce the deal at a UK-EU summit on May 19. It would include a new 'youth experience scheme' which will bring back a form of freedom of movement. The EU first proposed a youth mobility scheme, which would allow young people to study or work for up to four years, last April. That plan was rejected by both Labour and Tories in the run-up to the general election.

Currently, EU officials have indicated they would agree to a modified plan, permitting youth entries for a year, potentially extendable for another one or two years. Additionally, the Home Secretary has suggested implementing a 'one in, one out' policy.

A government representative stated: "During the forthcoming UK-EU Summit, various topics will be addressed as we aim to establish a steady and constructive relationship that corresponds with our country’s best interests. It should be noted that no deals have been finalized, and we remain steadfast in safeguarding the welfare of our fishing industry."

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