Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new agreement with the EU will keep the current status quo for fisheries in place until 2038, giving EU vessels continued access to UK waters — and extending arrangements that were previously due to expire in 2026.

Originally, the 2020 Brexit deal returned 25% of EU fishing quotas to the UK, with an expectation of greater control beyond that. The new long-term framework will maintain annual quota negotiations with the EU and Norway and continue UK-issued licensing for vessels operating in UK waters.

The UK Government has also announced a £360 million “fishing and coastal growth fund” to modernise fleets, adopt sustainable technology, and support processing infrastructure — intended to  soften the impact in coastal communities.

The agreement has initially received a mixed response.  Many Scottish fishermen and others engaged in the industry have been left concerned about the impact the new agreement will have on them as they strive to maintain a livelihood.  The UK Government believes that the wider EU deal could deliver £9 billion in economic benefits by 2040, restoring trade fluidity, mobility arrangements, and regulatory co-operation – key for sectors ranging from finance to food production and exports.

The legal backdrop also plays a crucial role.  The Factortame case – which limited the UK’s ability to restrict foreign fishing interests under EU law, and the recent Sandeel fishing dispute, where the UK was found to be in breach of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement(a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU outlining rules for fisheries access and management) are examples of  legal challengers which have, and which are likely to continue to, shape fisheries governance.

Environmental NGOs like the Blue Marine Foundation have also tested the limits of the UK’s 2020 Fisheries Act.  These cases underscore the legal complexity of managing shared waters.

As legal and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, we support clients across the marine, food export, and wider supply chain sectors — offering guidance on commercial agreements, trade compliance and dispute resolution.

For specialist support and advice from our experts, contact: contactus@h-f.co.uk