EU's 'three major demands of UK' in Brexit reset talks

Brussels is said to be preparing to ask the UK to follow European Union laws for the first time since Brexit as part of plans for a new trade deal with Sir Keir Starmer.

- MILLIE COOKE

The demand comes as the prime minister is attempting to reset the UK’s relationship with the bloc after years of tense relations under successive Conservative prime ministers.

While Sir Keir has repeatedly insisted the UK will not rejoin the single market within his lifetime, he has pledged to “make Brexit work” by renegotiating the deal agreed upon by Boris Johnson and pursuing closer cooperation, particularly on defence, security and trade.

A blueprint for European negotiators looking at the trade deal, seen by The Times, indicates that EU leaders are planning to make UK acceptance of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) a red line for an improved trading relationship.

The document also reportedly sets out British concessions on fishing and a youth mobility scheme as key priorities for the EU. The ECJ is the judicial authority of the EU and ensures compliance with EU laws.

According to the document, the EU would also ask the UK to allow European fishermen to access British waters. It says the UK must agree to “the maintenance of the status quo” on access for European boats to British waters before talks can begin, including the same levels of catch allowances as those that are currently in place.