Overview
- A Financial Times–reported draft shows a termination clause requiring the UK to pay for infrastructure, equipment, recruitment and training to reinstate border controls if it leaves a new veterinary pact.
- EU diplomats call the provision a stability “safety” measure intended to deter a rapid reversal by a future Reform government and to keep any agreement in place beyond 2029.
- The draft also requires dynamic alignment with future EU rules on animal and plant products and sets a participation fee based on the UK’s cost share plus an additional 4%.
- Nigel Farage says he would not honor any payout, and both Reform UK and the Conservatives pledge to scrap such an agreement if they enter government.
- Labour figures argue exit clauses are standard and say negotiations are ongoing, with enabling legislation targeted by year‑end and operations not expected until early to mid‑2027.