Just when it seemed like the Brexit debate had quieted down, it’s roaring back into the headlines — this time over money.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a growing storm over a post-Brexit agreement that critics claim comes with a hefty and mysterious price tag.
Despite unveiling what he calls a “pro-business” EU deal, Starmer is now under pressure to be transparent about just how much British taxpayers will end up paying Europe — and it could be a lot more than anyone expected.
Starmer Dodges Cost Questions in Heated Commons Showdown
In a tense session in Parliament, Starmer found himself repeatedly pressed but unwilling to offer clear figures on how much this deal with the EU will actually cost.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch didn’t hold back, accusing him of avoiding “a single word” about the financial implications.
Tory MP Dame Harriett Baldwin added fuel to the fire, demanding clarity: “How much of UK taxpayers’ money is he handing over to Brussels to meet their demands?”
Though the Prime Minister acknowledged there would be a “proportionate contribution” to the EU, he remained vague, refusing to attach a number to that phrase — and that’s only raised more eyebrows.
Critics Say the UK Is Paying to Follow Rules It Can’t Control
Senior Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin didn’t mince words.
He blasted the deal as a surrender, saying Starmer was giving away control over Britain’s laws and agreeing to pay the EU without any real say in return.
“He’s handing over money and control,” Jenkin warned, predicting that Labour will ultimately “pay a bitter political price” for what he sees as a betrayal of the Brexit vote.
Eurosceptic MPs echoed that anger, accusing Starmer of making Britain a “rule-taker” again — a country forced to follow EU laws without any influence over them.
What’s Actually in the Deal? Erasmus, Farming Rules and Defence Access
The agreement, revealed on Monday, includes the UK rejoining the EU’s Erasmus+ scheme, which supports young people studying abroad.
That alone could cost over £200 million.
But there’s more: Britain will also help fund the EU’s efforts to monitor UK compliance with EU rules on things like food safety and agriculture — more cash out the door.
And then there’s the EU’s massive £125 billion defence procurement programme.
British firms will get access, but it won’t come free. The UK will have to chip in there, too.
Starmer Says the Money Is Worth It and Won’t Go Into EU Budget
Trying to reassure critics, Starmer insisted the UK will not be contributing to the EU budget like member states do.
Instead, he argued, payments will only be tied to direct benefits.
No 10 claims the economic upside is significant, with projections suggesting the deal could boost the UK economy by £9 billion by the year 2040.
Morrisons supermarket boss Rami Baitieh even chimed in to support the deal, saying it could help reduce pressure on food prices — something many shoppers would welcome.
Brexit Hardliners Say Starmer Sold Out on Fishing and Borders
The backlash wasn’t limited to finances. Kemi Badenoch slammed the fishing terms, calling the 12-year extension of EU access to British waters a “sellout.”
She was also livid about aligning permanently with EU standards on agriculture, calling it “a total capitulation” and accusing the Prime Minister of agreeing to follow laws the UK can’t shape.
Fellow Tory Mark Francois joined in, questioning why the UK had fought so hard for Brexit only to, in his words, “surrender that right” and accept EU rule again.
Starmer Pushes Back and Says This Is Just the Start
Starmer brushed off the backlash, calling the criticism “nonsense.”
He insisted the UK will have a say in shaping future rules and described this agreement as only “a first step.”
He did, however, rule out rejoining the EU’s customs union, noting that such a move would clash with Britain’s recent trade deals with major partners like the US and India.
“I’m not prepared to throw those benefits away,” he said.
EU Diplomats Celebrate the Deal as a Win for Brussels
Meanwhile in Brussels, the reaction was far more upbeat.
EU insiders reportedly told the BBC that the agreement was “balanced,” though they admitted it may have landed on more favorable terms for the EU.
Their takeaway? “Splendid isolation is no longer an option in today’s world.”
A clear message that they believe Britain is finally seeing the limits of going it alone.
Fishing Industry Furious Over the Details
Among the loudest critics outside Parliament are those in the UK’s fishing industry.
Senior figures have labeled the deal a “horror show,” saying it compromises British waters and fishing livelihoods.
But Environment Secretary Steve Reed defended the outcome.
He said the government resisted even harsher demands from Brussels and pointed out that this deal could finally lift the EU’s ban on British shellfish exports — a long-running issue for the sector.
What Comes Next for Starmer’s Deal?
Right now, parts of the agreement are still under negotiation, and the exact financial contributions remain uncertain.
But the political row is already in full swing, and the Prime Minister is under growing pressure to be upfront with the public.
Will the economic benefits outweigh the symbolic cost of renewed payments to the EU? That’s the debate now dominating Westminster — and it’s far from over.