British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is said to be closing in on finalising a major trade deal with the European Union that would boost British arms exports but soften the UK's stance on fishing rights. As reported by The Times on Tuesday, the agreement would allow British defence firms to sell billions in weaponry to European allies.
In return, Britain is expected to freeze current EU fishing quotas - mainly for haddock, herring, and cod - rather than reduce them further. The current deal, which cuts access to 75% of pre-Brexit levels, expires next year. Estonian EU official Kaja Kallas commented on the fisheries clause, saying she was "surprised at how important the fish are."
