The European Union will demand access to British fishing waters in return for a closer relationship with Britain, The Telegraph understands.

Sir Keir Starmer is pursuing a reset to European relations and last week hosted a summit for European Political Community (EPC) leaders at Blenheim Palace.

The Telegraph reports that the EU is said to be preparing a list of “offensive interests” it will use in any future talks with the UK Government. Government officials believe access to British fishing waters will be one of the key trade-offs in response to Sir Keir’s requests.

The bloc’s 27 prime ministers and presidents are understood to be keen to hear from Sir Keir about his plans to overhaul relations.  Top of the agenda for the EU, especially France, will be renewing the UK-EU fisheries deal, which expires at the end of June 2026. Emmanuel Macron has listed the issue of fishing as a priority, alongside migration and defence, for talks with the UK.

Before the election, senior EU officials predicted that fishing would take priority at any talks with the EU. One told The Times in June: ‘If a new government wants new trade talks, France will make sure that any trade negotiations by the European Commission are linked to fisheries.

‘The problem for Britain is that the marine protection areas are where the fish are that the French, and others, want to catch.’

Defra wrote on X (Twitter) last week that “Food security is national security. The new government will ensure our food system supports British fishers and works for nature.

Reports the EU would seek access to British fishing waters sparked outrage on social media, with Richard Tice MP, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, tweeting: “NO NO NO. We want our fishing waters back, not giving more away.”