Starmer’s Brexit Reset: 6 Controversial Moves

Keir Starmer’s new UK–EU Brexit “reset” deal, announced in May 2025, has unleashed a wave of political debate due to several unexpected provisions. Chief among them is the extension of EU fishing rights in British waters until 2038, a move critics see as a betrayal of coastal communities and a rollback of one of Brexit’s most symbolic promises. Another major point is the UK’s decision to adopt “dynamic alignment” with EU regulations in areas such as food safety and animal welfare, easing trade barriers but raising fresh concerns about sovereignty, as the UK must follow rules it no longer helps shape.

The deal also strengthens UK–EU cooperation in defense and security. British defense firms will now gain access to the EU’s €150 billion defense fund, allowing for joint procurement and development projects. Additionally, the two sides have agreed to enhance intelligence and law enforcement collaboration, particularly around illegal immigration and organized crime. These steps are widely seen as a shift toward greater European integration, drawing criticism from Brexit supporters who view the arrangement as edging too close to EU institutions.

Further controversy surrounds the proposed youth mobility scheme, which would allow young EU citizens to live and work in the UK, a policy that has met resistance from immigration skeptics. Starmer’s government has also committed to financially contributing to select EU programs, such as the Erasmus+ student exchange initiative and the defense fund. While supporters argue the deal rebuilds trust and modernizes UK–EU relations, opponents claim it undermines Brexit’s core promises and dilutes British independence.