The European Union (EU) will demand to keep its fishing rights in British waters, the bloc’s Brexit negotiator has told MEPs.

The post-Brexit deal agreed by the EU saw its fishing quota in British waters cut by 25 per cent, but European fishermen were allowed continued access to parts of the UK’s coastal waters. 

As the deal nears its expiry in 2026, the EU is keen to start negotiating as soon as possible to keep its access to the UK’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends by up to 200 nautical miles from the coast.

Government officials fear the EU will only renegotiate the Brexit trade agreement – a key part of Labour’s manifesto – if the UK guarantees European fishermen full access to its seas after 2026. 

Britain’s energy deal with the EU expires at the same time, and experts have warned the bloc may squeeze energy supplies to force Sir Keir Starmer to agree with its fishing demands. 

Maros Sefcovic, the Brexit negotiator, said the bloc must ensure guaranteed access for fishermen after the expiry. 

“We have to ensure continued access to United Kingdom waters for EU fishing fleets,” he said in a written response to questions from the European Parliament. 

The European Commission wishes to kick-start negotiations on a new fishing pact for member states such as France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland.