Fact check: Under Starmer’s so-called “reset” Brexit deal, EU inspectors will now have the power to enter and inspect UK farms, abattoirs, and supermarkets.

1. Summary of the results

While one source confirms that EU agencies will have permissions to conduct random inspections at UK farms, abattoirs, and food production sites under Starmer's Brexit "reset" deal ^[1], multiple other sources discussing the deal do not explicitly mention these inspection powers ^{[2] [3] [4] [5] [6]}. The deal primarily focuses on reducing routine checks on food and drink imports/exports and establishing new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) arrangements.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A crucial piece of missing context is that such inspection rights are standard practice in international trade agreements and are not unique to Starmer's deal. Similar inspection provisions exist in agreements with countries like New Zealand and Canada ^[7]. The deal appears to be primarily focused on:

• Reducing border checks and red tape ^[4]
• Making food trade smoother ^[5]
• Addressing broader issues like fishing rights, eGates, and pet travel ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement appears to present these inspection powers as something extraordinary or concerning, when in fact:

• The reporting has been characterized as "sensationalized and technically illiterate" ^[7]
• The statement omits the crucial context that such inspections are standard practice in international trade agreements ^[7]
• It fails to mention that the primary purpose of the deal is to reduce checks and bureaucracy, not increase them ^{[4] [5]}

Those who might benefit from this narrative include:

• Brexit hardliners who oppose any alignment with EU standards
• Political opponents looking to characterize the deal as a surrender of sovereignty
• Media outlets seeking to generate controversy around the UK-EU relationship