On 19 May, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer hosted the UK-EU summit at Lancaster House in London. Welcoming the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, the Prime Minister announced a new agreement setting out post-Brexit relations. The deal agreed relates to several key areas including fishing policy, farming exports, defence and security, youth experience schemes, passport e-gates and carbon & energy. There were also agreements on steps towards addressing trading issues faced by businesses in Northern Ireland. Key Takeaways: Northern Ireland: The deal promised to soften the post-Brexit Irish Sea border by reducing checks on agri-food products going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland which was broadly welcomed by business owners, farmers and politicians on both sides of the border. William Irvine, the Ulster Farmers’ Union president, called it a significant breakthrough that would give certainty to the agri-food sector. “An end to burdensome SPS paperwork, removal of checks on goods moving to Northern Ireland, inclusion of second-hand machinery, progress on the movement of live cattle, pesticide regulations and rules on organics – these are all key wins,” he said. The deal has been largely welcomed by the major parties in Northern Ireland. First Minister, Michelle O’Neil emphasised that the ‘devil will be in the detail’ and DUP leader Gavin Robinson acknowledged some progress but cautioned that it was ‘too early’ to access the deals’ full impact. Food: Both sides have agreed to work on a joint food safety agreement that could remove many of the current barriers. If fully implemented, it would reduce checks and paperwork and could lift bans on products like raw meats. The UK will need to follow future EU food standards – a system known as “dynamic alignment” – and accept that the European Court of Justice will have the final say in any disputes in this area. The UK will also have to make a financial contribution although the exact amount is yet to be confirmed. Fishing: Both parties have agreed to extend the deal leading to reciprocal access to fishing waters to 2038. Some UK fishing groups have criticised the existing deal and do not want to see it extended. However, Salmon Scotland says the agreement to reduce checks would “speed up delivery to their premium salmon market.” E-Gates: UK nationals will be able to use eGates at EU airports, rather than having their passport manually checked by a border officer. It is unlikely, however, that the change will be implemented by this summer. Defence: UK defence companies will be given the opportunity to benefit from the Security Action for Europe fund recently set up to enable its member states to rearm. It is still unclear exactly when and how the UK will participate in this fund.