FRESH fears of a Brexit sellout have erupted after a top EU boss claimed the bitter row over fishing rights was “over”.
Downing Street refused to deny Britain has agreed to hand Brussels greater long-term access to UK waters – insisting only that talks were “ongoing”.
EPAThe first UK-EU summit since Brexit will take place in London on May 19[/caption]
British fishermen will be delighted the PM has managed to support their causeAlamy
The comments have fuelled concerns Sir Keir Starmer may have caved in to EU demands as part of a major UK-EU security pact expected to be unveiled next week.
Fishing terms under the current Brexit deal are due to expire in 2026 – meaning fresh negotiations were always on the cards.
But France is pushing for continued access for its trawlers, rather than annual talks – a move critics say would leave Britain permanently tied to EU fishing rules.
Brussels’ foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas added fuel to the fire by declaring the fish row all but settled.
She told the BBC “a few elements” of the deal were still being worked out but added: “I think we are over the fish.”
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice MP blasted: “The EU are deluded if they think they the British people will stomach our fishing rights being handed over to secure Keir Starmer’s surrender agreement which will be nothing more than rejoining the EU by the back door.
“Only Reform UK will stand up for our fishing industry and ensure they’re protected and allowed to thrive.”
Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson also told The Sun: “Many of the fisherman I speak to are terrified for their livelihoods.
“The future of our fishing industry is on a knife edge.
“Starmer is more interested in cosying up to the EU by letting foreign trawlers scour British waters of all our fish.
“The French are baiting the Prime Minster and he’s taking it hook, line and sinker. When Labour negotiate, Britain loses.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We have been clear that we will always act in the national interest to secure the best outcomes for the UK.”
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