Fresh Meat, Dairy and Brexit Freedoms: UK Gov Faces Backlash Over Potential EU Alignment

As the UK prepares to host its first joint summit with the European Union since leaving the bloc, reports of behind-the-scenes discussions around re-aligning certain food regulations with EU standards have sparked a heated political and industry response.

UK-EU Summit Looms as Industry Awaits Clarity on Agri-Food Regulations and Trade Future

According to Bloomberg, UK officials have signalled to their EU counterparts that the government may be open to aligning with EU rules on fresh meat and dairy products — including the possibility of accepting oversight from the European Court of Justice (ECJ). This would mark a significant policy departure from previous Conservative governments that firmly rejected ECJ influence post-Brexit.

The summit, set for May 19 in London, is being positioned as a reset in UK-EU relations under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Alongside potential defence and security cooperation — including UK access to the EU defence fund — the talks are expected to open the door to wider collaboration, especially on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures for agri-food trade.

Trade-offs and Opportunities in Agri-Food

The UK Food Council notes that any agreement on SPS rules could ease border friction and reduce costly import checks on EU agri-food products. Such a development would likely benefit UK-based food businesses reliant on EU imports — including producers of perishable goods — and support price stability and supply chain resilience.

However, concerns have emerged within both the political sphere and food production sectors over the potential implications for the UK’s sovereign ability to shape its own food standards and trade policy.

Critics argue that alignment with EU regulations might constrain Britain’s ability to negotiate independent trade deals — notably with the United States, where food safety standards and agri-tech practices often differ significantly from EU norms.

Political Fallout

Senior Conservative voices have accused the Labour government of betrayal. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel warned of “Brexit sabotage,” claiming the government is “surrendering our sovereignty” by quietly agreeing to EU rules “through the back door.” Shadow Business and Trade Secretary Andrew Griffith echoed these concerns, calling it “a blatant betrayal of British interests” and the “39th attempt” to reverse Brexit.

Labour has yet to respond directly to the allegations but has maintained its stance that Britain can build strong ties with both the EU and global partners. A UK government spokesperson said, “A closer, more cooperative relationship with the EU will improve the British people’s security, safety, and prosperity.”

US-UK Trade Still in Play

Despite fears over EU alignment, optimism remains in transatlantic circles. US Vice-President JD Vance stated in an interview that the US is “working very hard” with the UK on a “great” new trade deal and reaffirmed America’s cultural and business bonds with Britain.

The UK Food Council will continue monitoring developments from the upcoming UK-EU summit and encourages businesses across the food and agri sector to stay informed as potential regulatory and trade shifts unfold.