UK agrees draft deal to scrap post-Brexit food checks, but critics warn Britain must follow EU rules without a say
Small retailers such as delicatessens will once again be able to source small batches of European cheese and wine, shut out when Brexit checks came into force in 2022.
A draft sanitary and phytosanitary agreement of around 200 pages has been circulated to EU ambassadors ahead of a Wednesday meeting, with the deal expected to come into force in early 2028. British food exporters have seen their trade with Europe drop by a third since 2019, with eggs, chicken and potato products suffering the steepest declines. Under the agreement, UK producers of sausages, burgers, shellfish and seed potatoes would regain access to EU markets, and pet passports would be reinstated.
The UK government estimates the deal will benefit the British economy by £5.1bn a year.
Critics warn the UK will have to match EU goods standards with no voice in shaping them — a charge that will fuel sovereignty concerns.
