UK and EU Agree Draft Deal to Scrap Brexit Red Tape on Food Exports

The United Kingdom and the European Union have reached a draft agreement to reduce post-Brexit border checks on food and agricultural products, a significant step in the so-called Brexit reset ahead of a UK-EU summit later this month. The deal aims to ease friction for British exporters by aligning veterinary and sanitary standards, cutting paperwork and delays at ports. While the UK has ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, this agreement signals a pragmatic shift toward closer regulatory cooperation. Businesses have long complained that Brexit barriers added costs and complexity, particularly for perishable goods. The draft deal, which still requires formal approval from EU member states, could boost trade and lower prices for consumers. If finalized, it would represent the most concrete achievement of the reset so far, but political hurdles remain on both sides.