1517 GMT - The new agreement between the U.K. and the European Union brings good news for both retailers and consumers alike, particularly regarding the removal of veterinary checks, British Retail Consortium Chief Executive Helen Dickinson says in a note. The deal will help to keep costs down and provide more security in supply chains as it will ensure the availability of food imports to the U.K., she says. The agreement will also boost competitiveness with the significant reduction of the processes for exportation, Helen adds. "The next steps should include greater alignment on environmental and product safety standards," she adds. (michael.susin@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 19, 2025 11:17 ET (15:17 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.