Thu 24 December 2020:
Brussels: European and British negotiators finalised a post-Brexit trade deal on Thursday, officials from both sides said.
“We have finally found an agreement,” the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said.
“It was a long and winding road, but we have a good deal at the end of it,” she said. “The single market will be fair and remain so.”
At the end of successful negotiations I normally feel joy, she says, but I feel satisfaction and relief.
The announcement came after days of intense back and forth between von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The deal is done. pic.twitter.com/zzhvxOSeWz
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 24, 2020
The former prime minister David Cameron, who called the referendum on leaving the European Union, has welcomed the news of the deal.
It’s good to end a difficult year with some positive news. Trade deal is very welcome – and a vital step in building a new relationship with the EU as friends, neighbours and partners. Many congratulations to the UK negotiating team.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 24, 2020
Very welcome news that the UK & EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal – one that provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing. Looking forward to seeing the detail in the coming days.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) December 24, 2020
Before the spin starts, it’s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland’s will. And there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It’s time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 24, 2020
At the press conference, von der Leyen says there are strong measures within this deal that can be taken if one party does not play by the rules.
There will be a review after four years to ensure both sides are playing by the rules agreed in this deal and to see that the level playing field is level, she says.
There are strong safeguards to ensure there is an incentive for both sides to stick to what they have agreed to, she says.
Boris Johnson’s press conference
Prime minister Boris Johnson rejected extending the transition period amid the coronavirus pandemic as he did not want to add to uncertainty, he says.
We have completed the biggest trade deal yet worth £166bn a year, a comprehensive Canada-style free trade deal with the EU, he says.
The deal will protect jobs, allow UK goods to be sold without tariffs and quotas in the EU market, allow companies to do even more business with Europe, he says.
Yet, it achieves taking back control of our laws and our destiny, he says.
From 1 Jan, we are outside the customs union and single market, he says.
British laws will be made solely by the British parliament, interpreted by UK judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the ECJ will come to an end, he says.
-Developing
