UK and EU agree draft SPS deal to reduce post-Brexit food checks

Unbiased summary

The UK and EU have agreed a draft Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement ahead of a summit on 20 November, which could remove many post-Brexit border checks on food and agricultural products such as sausages, cheese, and flowers. The UK government estimates the deal could add up to £5.1 billion a year to the economy (or 0.4% of GDP). In return, the UK is expected to align with EU regulations on plant, animal, and food standards, with little or no say in future rule-making, and may make annual payments to the EU. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, said the public would expect him to take the deal 'with both hands'. Negotiations are ongoing, with further discussions expected on emissions trading and youth mobility.

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Coverage by outlet

BBC News centre-left

Angle Presents the draft deal as a technical and economic development, focusing on the process and potential economic benefits without delving into political controversy.

Bias The BBC's coverage is largely descriptive, noting the 200-page draft text and the £5.1 billion estimate, but it does not scrutinise the concessions the UK may make, such as dynamic alignment or payments. It frames the deal as a positive step towards reducing red tape and includes broader political context (e.g., migration plans) without evaluating the trade-offs, staying relatively close to the facts but omitting critical perspectives.

The Draft UK-EU Deal To Scrap Brexit Red Tape

The Independent centre-left

Angle Frames the deal as a significant opportunity for economic growth under Andy Burnham's leadership, emphasising the benefits and Burnham's pro-EU stance.

Bias The Independent highlights the potential £5.1 billion boost and Burnham's enthusiasm, portraying the deal as a shift towards closer EU ties. It downplays or omits the concessions, such as accepting EU rules without input and annual payments, and does not critically examine the costs. The coverage is generally supportive, echoing the government's positive framing and straying from a balanced assessment of the trade-offs.

What is the Brexit food red tape that could be scrapped in a new EU deal?

Burnham says Britons would expect him to take up new EU deal 'with both hands'

Daily Mail right

Angle Portrays the deal as a 'sellout' that benefits the EU at the UK's expense, focusing on costs and loss of sovereignty.

Bias The Daily Mail emphasises negative aspects such as 'dynamic alignment' with EU rules, annual payments to Brussels, and potential costs like slashing tuition fees for EU students. It uses emotive language ('Labour's EU food sellout') and downplays the economic benefits, presenting the deal as a surrender of control. The coverage deviates from objective facts by selectively highlighting costs and sovereignty concerns while omitting or minimising the potential £5.1 billion gain and the reduction in red tape.

Labour's EU food sellout: Deal cuts red tape on exports like sausages... BUT it'll cost UK millions and force us to follow Brussels rules