A new round of post-Brexit negotiations has seen the European Union play hardball with Britain, as EU leaders demand that security and defense be included in discussions alongside fishing rights.

This move is part of Brussels’ broader strategy to force the UK to revisit its decision to leave the European Union, with some suggesting it may even play into the hands of opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer and his stance on Brexit.

Brussels Demands a Comprehensive Agreement on All Issues

The EU’s stance is clear—nothing will be agreed upon until everything is on the table.

According to a senior EU diplomat, they believe the UK has to make concessions across the board, including on security and defense matters.

This approach has left the UK government scrambling to negotiate a deal that could be announced at a key summit in London scheduled for May.

While Britain had hoped to tackle security separately, aiming for an easier win, the EU’s refusal to budge on their ultimatum has complicated matters.

Security and Freedom of Movement at the Center of EU’s Strategy

In addition to fishing rights, Brussels is also pushing for the return of freedom of movement for young people between the ages of 18 and 30.

The EU’s insistence on these points, especially as the UK navigates post-Brexit arrangements, is seen as a calculated effort to pressure Sir Keir Starmer and his party into further undoing aspects of Brexit.

Some observers believe that Starmer, who has previously been seen as a moderate on Brexit, may be under pressure to agree to a deal that allows British businesses to participate in European defense procurement contracts—a potential win for the opposition.

Tories Furious Over EU’s ‘Bullying’ Tactics and Defence Negotiations

The EU’s tough stance has sparked anger from senior Conservative figures, who accuse Brussels of ‘bullying’ Britain by tying defense matters to fishing rights.

Armed Forces spokesman Mark Francois expressed frustration, pointing to the very reason Britain voted to leave the EU—regaining control over matters like fishing rights and defense.

Francois criticized the EU for attempting to use Britain’s defense interests as leverage, drawing comparisons to other international disputes involving the UK.

Calls for Shifting Focus to a US Trade Deal

In light of the EU’s aggressive tactics, some Conservative leaders, including former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, have suggested the government should shift its attention to securing a trade deal with the United States instead.

With the EU facing economic struggles and the US on the verge of growth, many feel that focusing on a partnership with the US would better serve the UK’s long-term interests.

Labour’s Stance Under Fire as Tories Accuse Them of Betraying Brexit

As the talks continue, Labour has faced criticism for what many on the right see as a betrayal of Brexit.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel condemned the Labour Government for being too willing to appease the EU, warning that it would undermine the democratic will of the British people.

With tensions running high, the future of Brexit negotiations and the UK’s relationship with the EU remain uncertain.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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