It has been revealed today that the current government, lead by Keir Starmer have reached a deal with the EU. It secures a range of benefits for both Brits and EU citizens alike. Travel has become easier with British citizens being allowed to use more eGates. Food products can now be exported and imported easier with predictions of a reduction in prices. There will also be a closer tracking of emissions to ‘improve the UK’s energy security and avoid businesses being hit by the EU’s carbon tax due to come in next year.’ All in all the deal seems to be a win win for all. However, not everyone is in agreement.
The biggest issue seems to be that of fishing. With the deal allowing EU fishing boats in UK waters, it has gotten a lot of people unhappy. Rupert Lowe, in his usual alarmist fashion, took to X (formally known as twitter) to say the following:
Starmer surrenders access to our waters to the EU for 12 years. A huge win for the EU, a huge loss for Britain. Who suffers? Our fishermen and our coastal communities, again. Yet another Labour betrayal.1
Whilst this is of course, the usual right wing tactic, what strikes me is the word Betrayal. I have seen it used several times by many different right wing commentators and political figures due to this announcement. Dan Wootton2 of GB News went as far as creating an AI wanted poster with the words ‘WANTED FOR TREASON.’ The reaction to the news feels completely disproportionate to the news presented. Allowing EU fishermen into our waters also allows for our fishermen to sell fish to the EU. This is a win. No one has been betrayed.
I am not going to praise Starmer until the sun goes down. I do not agree with some of the decisions he has made. However, to call him a traitor and to call a deal which benefits everyone a ‘betrayal’ is flat out misinformation. Clinging to the idea of Brexit is a foolish thing to do. Brexit harmed Britain to no end. Exported goods fell. Investment in the UK fell. The economy shrank and inflation sky rocketed. Brexit was a bad deal. Now we have something better, the right wing seem to be incredibly against it. Whether it be worry that their Brexit dream is falling apart, or the misinformation spread by Farage and his band of merry men.
A YouGov Survey3 (published 29/01/2025) shows 48% of people surveyed would vote to rejoin the EU. 33% of people do no want to rejoin and the remaining 19% either unsure or not voting. The numbers speak for themselves: Brexit was bad. This deal is the best we could do, regardless of what the right seem to believe.
Manic Writer 