Politics

Keir Starmer’s Surprise EU Breakthrough Might Change Everything for Brits

Published on May 19, 2025

Sir Keir Starmer is making waves in Brussels as sources say he’s closing in on a major new deal with the European Union. With a high-stakes UK-EU summit just around the corner, insiders told the PA news agency there’s been a late push that’s brought real progress to the table. The deal isn’t quite locked in yet, but it looks like both sides are ironing out the last wrinkles.

Over the weekend, things were tense. Government sources described talks as “down to the wire,” but now it sounds like that wire might be long enough. On Saturday, Number 10 was already talking confidently, saying the Prime Minister would “strike a deal” during the summit, which kicks off Monday.

Starmer will sit down again with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, just four days after their last meeting. They’re hoping to finalize a package that could touch everything from defense and security to travel, food exports, and youth opportunities.

One of the big-ticket items reportedly being discussed is access for British companies to the EU’s massive €150 billion (about £125 billion) defense fund. That alone could be a game-changer. There’s also talk about easing travel for UK citizens through the use of e-gates in EU airports, trimming down red tape on food exports, and even launching a new youth mobility scheme between Britain and the EU.

Still, not everything’s smooth sailing. Fishing rights and the youth mobility proposal are said to be last-minute sticking points. It’s not clear how they’ll be resolved, and both are politically sensitive back home.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Government insiders are upbeat, saying “huge progress” has been made and they’re on the verge of securing “a mutually beneficial deal” aimed at improving life for working Brits. But they’re also emphasizing that Starmer won’t sign anything unless it clearly serves the UK’s national interest.

Of course, not everyone’s on board. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage have already slammed the deal, even without knowing what’s in it, calling it a “surrender.” Both have hinted they’d rip it up if they ever came to power.

Badenoch is especially wary of the youth mobility element, arguing it might sneak free movement back in through the back door. The Tories have drawn a hard line on fishing too, demanding full control of UK waters and pushing back against any long-term deal that might mostly help countries like France.

Shadow environment minister Victoria Atkins chimed in, saying Conservatives have always backed British fishing communities and warning Labour not to “throw our fishing rights overboard” to fix their finances.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are calling for calm and forward-thinking. Leader Sir Ed Davey warned against getting dragged into what he calls the “Brexit wars of the past.” He says Starmer needs to aim high and bold, suggesting that joining a new customs union with the EU would be the biggest move to boost the UK economy and public services.

As Starmer heads into this pivotal summit, the pressure’s on. The country’s watching to see whether he’ll pull off a deal that not only turns the page on Brexit but also delivers some long-awaited stability and opportunity.