A “Cheese Ban” Rekindles UK–EU Tensions

A new trade flare-up is taking shape between the United Kingdom and the European Union — and this time, it’s not over steel or cars, but cheese.

In April 2025, the British government introduced a sweeping ban on the import of European dairy and meat products, claiming the move was designed to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease among UK livestock.

But the consequences have gone far beyond animal health. Across Europe, outrage is spreading — particularly in France, where cheesemakers and exporters say the ban has devastated sales and disrupted long-standing trade ties.

Under the new rules, British travelers and importers are prohibited from bringing in cheeses, raw dairy items, cakes, biscuits, and even chocolates containing cream.

Violators could face fines of up to £5,000. The decision has angered European producers, who see the restrictions as yet another sign of post-Brexit tension and protectionism.

Critics accuse London of using “food security” as a pretext for economic isolationism, while supporters argue that Britain has every right to protect its agricultural health and borders.

The “cheese ban,” as it’s now being called in European media, has become symbolic — a reminder that even years after Brexit, the UK’s relationship with its European neighbors remains strained.