British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reached an agreement with the EU ahead of a key summit with the bloc, according to the PA news agency.
The major breakthrough came after British government sources said on Sunday that talks were “stuck in the dust”.
It is known that the deal has already received approval from the EU Committee of Ambassadors.
The UK has reportedly agreed to give EU vessels 12 years of access to fish in its waters.
Current fishing rights for coastal communities are expected to remain unchanged, and there will be no reduction in the UK quota or increase in the quota allowed to be caught by the EU.
Further details of the deal are planned to be presented at the first UK-EU summit on Monday, where Sir Keir will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Other topics discussed included defence and security, with talks reported on a potential deal that would give British companies access to the EU's €150 billion defence fund.
Deals to allow British travellers to use e-gates at European airports, cutting red tape on food exports and setting up a youth mobility programme with the EU were also expected to be discussed.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds rated the deal a “solid eight” out of 10.
“I'm not one to exaggerate, but, you know, it's a good deal for the borders, for the bills, for security in the UK and for jobs,” he told GB News.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the fisheries deal, saying: “12 years of access to UK waters is three times longer than the government wants.
“We are once again becoming supporters of the rules from Brussels.”
Ms Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had already described the deal as a “capitulation” before details emerged.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
