Brexit benefits: farming, fishing and nature

Farming, fishing and nature: the benefits

1. 42

   Farmers paid for looking after the land

   The Common Agricultural Policy paid by area. The UK now pays for environmental work.

   Only possible outside the EU2020 ActSource: Agriculture Act 2020

2. 43

   The UK is an independent coastal state

   The UK controls access to its waters and sets its own fishing policy.

   Only possible outside the EU2020 ActSource: Fisheries Act 2020

3. 44

   A bigger UK share of fish in UK waters

   25% of the EU's quota in UK waters was transferred to the UK fleet by 2026.

   Only possible outside the EU2021–2026Source: EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

4. 45

   Live animal exports for slaughter banned

   Ends the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain.

   Only possible outside the EU2024 ActSource: Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024

5. 46

   A law to stop puppy smuggling

   Parliament has passed powers to ban imports of puppies and kittens under six months old, heavily pregnant animals and dogs with cropped ears. The detailed rules are still to come.

   Made easier by leavingAct passed 2 Dec 2025Source: Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025; DEFRA

6. 47

   Sandeel fishing closed to protect seabirds

   Closed in English North Sea waters and all Scottish waters, helping puffins and other seabirds.

   Only possible outside the EU26 Mar 2024Source: DEFRA; Scottish Government

7. 48

   Bottom trawling banned in protected areas

   Bans in offshore protected areas such as Dogger Bank, previously held back by EU fisheries rules.

   Made easier by leaving2022Source: Marine Management Organisation

8. 49

   A UK carbon market

   The UK Emissions Trading Scheme is designed for UK industry and targets.

   Only possible outside the EU1 Jan 2021Source: UK ETS Authority

More topics: Sovereignty and law · Trade · Borders and immigration · Tax and cost of living · Business and finance · Health and science · Farming, fishing and nature · Tech and data · The full selection of 52

The numbers match our full selection of 52 Brexit benefits. We only list changes that are in force or signed, with a date and a primary source. "Only possible outside the EU" means EU law or EU exclusive powers would have blocked it. "Made easier by leaving" means it was possible in principle but faster or simpler outside.