Lord Frost on EU Deal: A Step Back Towards Brussels Control

Concerns Over EU Deal

• ⚠️ Lord Frost expresses concern that the new EU deal represents a step back towards EU control over UK laws and rules, without significant reciprocal benefits.
• 💡 He argues that concessions made by Starmer, such as joining single markets for agri-food and electricity, were things Brexit supporters aimed to avoid.
• 📉 Frost doubts the deal will deliver promised economic benefits and fears it could hinder innovation by forcing alignment with EU regulations.

Agri-Food and Energy Market Alignment

• 🌾 On agri-food, there's a fear of having to align with EU regulations, potentially slowing progress on advancements like gene-edited crops.
• ⚡ Regarding the energy market, the UK and EU will merge their net-zero emissions trading schemes, allowing Britain to avoid an EU carbon tax and facilitating easier import/export of renewable power.
• 💰 Frost suggests that while this may shift costs from businesses to the British taxpayer, the fundamental costs remain and there's a commitment to pay into the EU system.

Fisheries and Trade Implications

• 🎣 A major concern is the extension of the fisheries transition period for another 12 years, continuing the existing framework that allows EU countries significant access to UK waters.
• 🐟 Frost contrasts this with the original Brexit negotiation aim, which allowed for renegotiation and potential closure of waters after a shorter period.
• 📈 While some paperwork for exports like raw meat and fish products may be reduced, Frost notes that the UK already sells these products to the EU, with some requiring freezing.

Business Reception and Constitutional Concerns

• ✅ Large business organizations, including supermarkets and the CBI, have applauded the deal, particularly the agri-food measures, as a bonus for them.
• 💰 Frost attributes this positive reception to the deal shifting costs from businesses to the British taxpayer, rather than a fundamental improvement for the country.
• 🏛️ He emphasizes that the core issue is governance and democracy, with law-making power potentially moving from London to Brussels without UK say.

Boris Johnson's Reaction

• 🗣️ Lord Frost acknowledges Boris Johnson's strong criticism of the deal, likening it to an "orange in the mouth mask" and calling it an "appalling sellout."
• 🤔 Frost suggests that while Johnson's methods are unconventional, he has the ability to connect with people and still takes a keen interest in Brexit issues.
• 🎙️ He expresses a personal view that it's a pity Boris Johnson is not more involved in British politics currently, given his ability to engage the public.