Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, faced a challenging negotiation with the EU regarding fishing rights and a youth mobility scheme. He initially maintained a firm stance, but just before a crucial summit, he signaled a willingness to compromise, specifically on the mobility scheme. French officials leveraged the situation to push for longer fishing quotas, leading to a frantic negotiation until the early hours, culminating in a 12-year agreement. Starmer's concessions were significant but aimed at reinforcing the UK's international presence and business certainty post-Brexit.
The UK's final offer had been four years, but even by Sunday night we were yet to square the circle.
The EU has used the fact that we were the demandeur to leverage what they have long wanted.
Starmer's concession allowed him to stand up about 12 hours later and declare: Britain is back on the world stage.
Despite his best efforts to restore order to Britain's international relations, the final hours of negotiation ended with frantic calls and late-night concessions.
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