Downing Street says the Government wants a permanent UK-EU deal on food and drink within 18 months as talks are planned for later this year. The current temporary arrangement, agreed in June, paused border checks on some fruit and vegetables from the EU and meant no border fees. It is due to expire in January 2027.

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds will accuse Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of seeking Britain’s failure as he calls for tearing up the agreement. He is set to argue that Farage’s approach would bring more red tape and paperwork. The remarks are to be made at an event in central London hosted by The Spectator, outlining Labour’s view of the UK-EU relationship and progress in talks with the EU.

Farage has criticised the May sanitary and phytosanitary provisions, saying they would pull the UK back into Brussels’ orbit and erode sovereignty. The May agreement covered areas including fishing, defence, a youth exchange scheme and passport e-gates. The government has paused border checks on some medium-risk fruit and vegetables while a permanent SPS deal is negotiated. In August ministers cancelled border checks on live animal imports from the EU and on animal and plant goods from Ireland, with ministers saying an agreement was forthcoming. Labour has criticised Reform, with Keir Starmer warning that Reform could crash the economy; a Reform UK spokesperson said Labour has damaged British businesses by clinging to EU rules. Naomi Smith of Best for Britain urged a rapid alignment with the EU to deliver for consumers.