thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Brexit deal vote timeline: When will Boris Brexit deal be ratified? What happens now?

Officials are believed to be ironing out the final details of a post- Brexit trade deal between the UK and the European Union .
EU officials have recently stated trade talks have slowed on the issue of fishing , and a deal could still be hours away .
But if a deal is agreed , it will then need to be approved by several elected officials within the UK and the EU .
After weeks of speculation that the UK could leave the transition period behind without a deal , the two sides have managed to make substantial progress in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ von der Leyen and Boris Johnson are reported to have spoken four times yesterday to help get a deal “ over the line ” , according to BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg .
Mr Johnson and Ms von der Leyen will speak on the phone to sign off on a deal when it is reached , and an announcement from Downing Street is expected later today .
If there is no deal agreed , border checks and taxes will be introduced on goods between the UK and the EU .
The EU 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eve is the final deadline for getting a trade deal agreed .
If a deal is n't agreed by today , Mr Barnier has told both sides to prepare for a period of no deal next year .
READ MORE : Britain and EU forced to wait before clinching historic trade deal

Brexit: Details of deal set to be announced on Christmas Eve
Officials have finally ironed out the final details of a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the European Union. EU officials recently stated trade talks had slowed on the issue of fishing, but after 24 hours of tense negotiations, a Brexit deal has finally been agreed between Britain and Brussels. Speaking this afternoon, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the deal was good for the whole of Europe", while European Commission President Ursula von d Leyen added it was a fair and balanced agreement.
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Mr Johnson said: "We have completed the biggest deal yet worth £668 billion a year. "A comprehensive Canada-style deal between the UK and the EU. A deal that will protect jobs across this country, that will enable UK goods to be sold without tariffs, without quotas in the EU market. "A deal which will allow our companies to do even more business with our European friends." The bombshell announcement came after weeks of speculation that the UK could leave the transition period behind without a deal, but the two sides managed to make substantial progress in recent days. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson are reported to have spoken four times on December 23 to help get a deal “over the line”, according to BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg. The deal will now need to be approved by several elected officials within the UK and the EU. READ MORE: Britain and EU forced to wait before clinching historic trade deal
Brexit deal vote timeline: What happens now?
Brexit deal vote timeline: Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement later today about a Brexit trade deal
READ MORE Brexit: Boris Johnson 'is toast' as deal with EU slammed When will a Brexit trade deal be ratified? With the deal being signed off on December 24, Christmas Eve, it leaves very little time until December 31 - when the post-Brexit transition period ends. Now that the UK-EU negotiations have come to an agreement, the EU member state leaders must now approve it via the European Council. The agreement of a deal between the two sides may mean the EU has to agree to a "provisional application" of the deal on January 1. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will then be able to vote on the deal later in the month retrospectively.
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Brexit deal vote timeline: A Brexit trade deal could be agreed today
Brexit deal vote timeline: Reporters are waiting outside Downing Street for news of a deal
In the UK, MPs will need to approve the agreement as well. The Prime Minister said he hoped there would be a parliamentary vote on the deal on December 30. In order for the agreement to be ratified and become legislation, the agreement will have to be approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. As MPs are currently on recess for Christmas, they will need to be recalled in order to vote on the agreement. DON'T MISS:
No10 claims Brexit fishing VICTORY as EU deal to be signed today [ANALYSIS]
Laura Kuenssberg hints at Brexit deal delays [INSIGHT]
Remainer Grieve shamed as he fails to accept Brexit UK will thrive [VIDEO]
Brexit deal vote timeline: What happens when the Brexit deal is agreed?
Brexit deal vote timeline: MPs will likely vote on the agreement before it becomes law
READ MORE Macron's plot to bring Britain back into 'transformed' EU However, Mr Johnson is likely to face some opposition to his Brexit deal among his own MPs. Reports suggest at least 20 members of the European Research Group (ERG) could vote down the proposed deal in a Commons vote next week. But there is also a good chance at least 100 members of the group could back Boris when the vote is held. An MP ally of Mr Johnson told the Daily Mail: "They know the stakes are very high for Boris as well as the country. "No other leader could have done more to stand up to the EU.


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Brexit deal DELAY: Britain and EU forced to wait - 'talks snagging on fishing - not done'

Sources close to the talks have claimed the hold-up is just as top officials from both sides just complete the formalities of the post-Brexit deal .
They were said to be holding species-by-species discussion to find a solution for the political agreement struck by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brussels boss Ursula von der Leyen last night .
The two principles are expected to announce the agreement via press conferences once the last of the haggling comes to an end .
The snag comes as both sides attempt to work out how to deliver on the political compromise agreed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson last night agreed on a deal that would see the EU hand back 25 percent by value of the fish caught in Britain 's coastal waters , phased in over five-and-a-half years .
Officials are now struggling to translate this into the legal text putting pen to paper on the Brexit deal .
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney earlier said there was a “ last-minute hitch ” with the “ small print ” of the fisheries agreement .
He added : “ Certainly the momentum and the expectation is that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can tell you that will be an enormous relief.
” Much of the work being undertaken at the EU Commission ’ s Berlaymont HQ centres on the distribution of fishing quotas as part of the overall agreement .
UK officials , fuelled by homemade sandwiches from staff at the British residence , are haggling over how much of each fish EU boats can catch in our waters .
Each EU state has a different fishing interest in British waters , such as the Danish focus on industrial species , such as horse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief Michel Barnier must ensure the outcome pleases the most hard-line so they support the final compromise .
Much of the current battle is over the fish caught in the UK ’ s 6-12 mile coastal zone .
MUST READ : No10 claims Brexit fishing VICTORY as EU deal to be signed today

Brexit: Radio host asks caller if she ‘feels depressed’
Sources close to the talks have claimed the hold-up is just as top officials from both sides just complete the formalities of the post-Brexit deal. They were said to be holding species-by-species discussion to find a solution for the political agreement struck by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brussels boss Ursula von der Leyen last night. The two principles are expected to announce the agreement via press conferences once the last of the haggling comes to an end.
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The snag comes as both sides attempt to work out how to deliver on the political compromise agreed by the UK and EU leaders. Mr Johnson last night agreed on a deal that would see the EU hand back 25 percent by value of the fish caught in Britain's coastal waters, phased in over five-and-a-half years. Officials are now struggling to translate this into the legal text putting pen to paper on the Brexit deal. Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney earlier said there was a “last-minute hitch” with the “small print” of the fisheries agreement.
Boris Johnson has agreed a historic trade deal with the EU – but the final haggling is ongoing
He added: “Certainly the momentum and the expectation is that we will get a Christmas Eve Brexit deal and I can tell you that will be an enormous relief.” Much of the work being undertaken at the EU Commission’s Berlaymont HQ centres on the distribution of fishing quotas as part of the overall agreement. UK officials, fuelled by homemade sandwiches from staff at the British residence, are haggling over how much of each fish EU boats can catch in our waters.
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What needs to be done after the Brexit trade agreement is finalised
Each EU state has a different fishing interest in British waters, such as the Danish focus on industrial species, such as horse mackerel and sand eels. EU Brexit chief Michel Barnier must ensure the outcome pleases the most hard-line so they support the final compromise. Much of the current battle is over the fish caught in the UK’s 6-12 mile coastal zone. MUST READ: No10 claims Brexit fishing VICTORY as EU deal to be signed today
Brexit: Mummery says UK will have 'finest fisheries' worldwide


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--No10 claims Brexit fishing VICTORY in EU deal - ‘We can eat EVERY damn fish in our waters'

The final details of a trade deal are being negotiated right now as Lord David Frost and Michel Barnier go over the final details of the pact .
For months now the issue of fishing has plagued talks with neither side willing to give ground on the issue .
But yesterday a breakthrough appeared to have been made , with a trade deal set to be announced in the coming hours .
Express.co.uk understands the compromise on the issue will see Brussels hand back 25 percent of the value of fish it catches in UK waters over a five and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No10 insider has heralded the outcome as a victory for Britain .
They told Politico : `` Even before the end of the transition period we will take back control of 130,000 tonnes a year , enough to stretch to the South Pole and back .
READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG '' After that we can fish and eat every damn fish in our waters.
” While No10 was this morning claiming victory on fishing , French officials have been briefing the media the UK made `` huge concessions '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .
Final negotiations on fishing quotas for exact species of fish are still ongoing as Lord Frost and Mr Barnier look to seal the deal this afternoon .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to hold a phone call to sign off on the deal once agreed .
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told RTE radio `` there is some sort of last-minute hitch '' related to `` small text '' of the fisheries agreement holding up the announcement .
He added a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , adding : `` Certainly the momentum and the expectation is that we will get a Christmas Eve Brexit deal and I can tell you that will be an enormous relief . ''
READ MORE : Farage praises Boris and hopes Brexit is ‘ beginning of end for EU ’ Mr Johnson and his European counterpart have spoken on the phone on at least four occasions in the past 24 hours to clinch a deal at the last possible moment .
Last night in a phone call with his Cabinet , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top team he needed their help to `` sell the deal '' to the rest of the party .
Once a deal is finalised this afternoon the Prime Minister is due to hold a press conference to share the good news with the country .
The EU transition period - after which point the UK is freed from following Brussels ' rules - ends on December 31 , with whatever deal has been negotiated between the two sides due to come into effect from January 1 next year .
DO N'T MISS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit trade deal WITHOUT seeing it [ REACTION ] 'Last-minute hitch ' in crunch fishing negotiations say Irish Minister [ WATCH ] Brexiteer demands ‘ exit clause ’ to deal UK can trigger without EU [ UPDATE ] MPs are braced to rush back to Parliament next week to vote on the deal ahead so it can be passed into law before the end of year deadline .
Eurosceptic Tories have vowed to carefully analyse the deal negotiated by the Prime Minister before they give it their blessing .
They want to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red lines before backing it in a House of Commons vote .
Fishing is one of the areas the influential European Research Group of backbench Tory MPs is eager to closely examine .
Last week Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg put MPs on notice they could be forced to return to Parliament next week to vote on a deal .
Currently , MPs are not due back in Westminster until January .

Brexit: Details of deal set to be announced on Christmas Eve
The final details of a trade deal are being negotiated right now as Lord David Frost and Michel Barnier go over the final details of the pact. For months now the issue of fishing has plagued talks with neither side willing to give ground on the issue.
But yesterday a breakthrough appeared to have been made, with a trade deal set to be announced in the coming hours. Express.co.uk understands the compromise on the issue will see Brussels hand back 25 percent of the value of fish it catches in UK waters over a five and a half year transition period. A No10 insider has heralded the outcome as a victory for Britain. They told Politico: "Even before the end of the transition period we will take back control of 130,000 tonnes a year, enough to stretch to the South Pole and back. READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG
A trade deal between the UK and EU is set to be unveiled today
"After that we can fish and eat every damn fish in our waters.” While No10 was this morning claiming victory on fishing, French officials have been briefing the media the UK made "huge concessions" on the issue in talks over the past 24 hours. Final negotiations on fishing quotas for exact species of fish are still ongoing as Lord Frost and Mr Barnier look to seal the deal this afternoon. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to hold a phone call to sign off on the deal once agreed. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told RTE radio "there is some sort of last-minute hitch" related to "small text" of the fisheries agreement holding up the announcement. He added a deal was still set to be announced today, adding: "Certainly the momentum and the expectation is that we will get a Christmas Eve Brexit deal and I can tell you that will be an enormous relief." READ MORE: Farage praises Boris and hopes Brexit is ‘beginning of end for EU’
Lord Frost and Michel Barnier are still negotiating today
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The negotiators are wrangling over the last details on fishing quotas
Mr Johnson and his European counterpart have spoken on the phone on at least four occasions in the past 24 hours to clinch a deal at the last possible moment. Last night in a phone call with his Cabinet, Mr Johnson is understood to have told his top team he needed their help to "sell the deal" to the rest of the party. Once a deal is finalised this afternoon the Prime Minister is due to hold a press conference to share the good news with the country. The EU transition period - after which point the UK is freed from following Brussels' rules - ends on December 31, with whatever deal has been negotiated between the two sides due to come into effect from January 1 next year. DON'T MISS:
Remainers lash out at ‘damaging’ Brexit trade deal WITHOUT seeing it [REACTION]
'Last-minute hitch' in crunch fishing negotiations say Irish Minister [WATCH]
Brexiteer demands ‘exit clause’ to deal UK can trigger without EU [UPDATE]
Michel Barnier and Lord Frost will agree the legal texts this afternoon
MPs are braced to rush back to Parliament next week to vote on the deal ahead so it can be passed into law before the end of year deadline. Eurosceptic Tories have vowed to carefully analyse the deal negotiated by the Prime Minister before they give it their blessing. They want to ensure the Government has not compromised on its red lines before backing it in a House of Commons vote. Fishing is one of the areas the influential European Research Group of backbench Tory MPs is eager to closely examine. Last week Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg put MPs on notice they could be forced to return to Parliament next week to vote on a deal. Currently, MPs are not due back in Westminster until January.
Brexit end game: What needs to happen now a deal is agreed?
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--'WAR IS OVER!' Farage praises Boris for having the guts to back Brexit 'Now we're OUT!'

Speaking about somebody of whom he has been frequently critical , Mr Farage said : `` He and Michael Gove were the two senior politicians who , albeit late in the day , were the two senior politicians who when the referendum came , albeit late in the day but that 's not the point , had the guts to back Brexit and thank goodness they did .
`` So yes , Boris will be seen as the man that finished the job , perhaps not perfectly .
`` He has done what he said he would do on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the detail , such as we will back in charge of our fisheries , he will be judged on some of those aspects more harshly .
`` On the big stuff the war is over - it has gone off for decades in this country .
`` From the Maastricht rebellion onwards , it has never , ever gone away . ''
Mr Farage concluded : `` The fight over whether we are going to be part of the European structures or not .
`` And now we are out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit closer to a partnership agreement .
`` It is not perfect but goodness me it is still progress . ''
JUST IN : Brexiteer demands ‘ exit clause ’ to deal UK can trigger without EU The Brexit Party leader also admitted misgivings about the agreement , which he suggested would leave Britain much too closely aligned to the EU 's rules and regulations .
Mr Farage , a stalwart campaigner for Brexit who was an MEP for 20 years , made his remarks while speaking to Talk Radio .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing , winning peace is another : I suspect we are going to find ourselves far too closely aligned to EU rules in the years to come . ''
DO N'T MISS John Redwood dismantles EU 's 'empty threats ' over no deal Brexit [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit fishing row : UK 'must defend its waters ' as MEP turns on EU [ INSIGHT ] Brexit warning : ANY Brexit deal will now put Boris at risk from ERG [ UPDATE ] Mr Farage said he hoped this `` is the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
And added : `` Hey , is the deal better than where we were five years ago ?
Yes , it is .
`` Is it good enough to allow us to become Singapore , the really dynamic booming economy ?
No . ''
Mr Farage voiced his contempt for the EU yesterday in response to a tweet by Clement Beaune , France 's Secretary of State for European affairs .
Mr Beaune was speaking about footage of queues of lorries in Dover as a result of France 's decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about the emergence of a new strain of COVID-19 in the UK .
He posted : `` For all the pseudo-patriots who praise the permanent closure of borders every day . ''

Brexit: Farage says the 'war is over' as talks near end
Speaking about somebody of whom he has been frequently critical, Mr Farage said: "He and Michael Gove were the two senior politicians who, albeit late in the day, were the two senior politicians who when the referendum came, albeit late in the day but that's not the point, had the guts to back Brexit and thank goodness they did.
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"So yes, Boris will be seen as the man that finished the job, perhaps not perfectly. "He has done what he said he would do on the big picture. "I suspect on some of the detail, such as we will back in charge of our fisheries, he will be judged on some of those aspects more harshly. "On the big stuff the war is over - it has gone off for decades in this country.
Nigel Farage speaks to Talk Radio
Boris Johnson has made good on his vow to "Get Brexit Done", suggested Mr Farage
"From the Maastricht rebellion onwards, it has never, ever gone away." Mr Farage concluded: "The fight over whether we are going to be part of the European structures or not. "And now we are out and arguably with a new treaty that is a bit closer to a partnership agreement. "It is not perfect but goodness me it is still progress." JUST IN: Brexiteer demands ‘exit clause’ to deal UK can trigger without EU
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Nigel Farage declared the Brexit "war" to be over
Mr Farage also had words of praise for Michael Gove
Mr Farage said he hoped this "is the beginning of the end of the European Union". And added: "Hey, is the deal better than where we were five years ago? Yes, it is. "Is it good enough to allow us to become Singapore, the really dynamic booming economy? No."
Nigel Farage factfile
Mr Farage voiced his contempt for the EU yesterday in response to a tweet by Clement Beaune, France's Secretary of State for European affairs. Mr Beaune was speaking about footage of queues of lorries in Dover as a result of France's decision to ban lorries for crossing the Channel over concerns about the emergence of a new strain of COVID-19 in the UK. He posted: "For all the pseudo-patriots who praise the permanent closure of borders every day."
Clement Beaune, France's European minister


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Sturgeon and Blackford RAGING over Boris's EU deal 'disastrous outcome for Scot farmers'

The UK Government is understood to have reached an agreement over ware ( eating ) potatoes with the EU but no agreement is thought to have been found over seeds .
Scots fear this risks huge problems for their industry .
Now , Ian Blackford , SNP leader in Westminster , has said this would be a “ damaging blow ” to Scotland and has used the reported agreement to continue calls for a second independence referendum .
Mr Blackford , tweeted : “ If this is the case this will be a damaging blow to Scotland made in Westminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to protect our see potato producers Scotland needs to become independent and in the EU.
” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted : `` This is a disastrous Brexit outcome for Scottish farmers ... and like all other aspects of Brexit , foisted on Scotland against our will . ''
It is believed the exports of seed potatoes will be barred from Great Britain to Northern Ireland .
Announcing the deal , the Defra letter said : “ Unfortunately the EU have confirmed they will not accept our case for a permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the grounds that there is no agreement for GB to be dynamically aligned with EU rules.
” The EU will confirm this deal legally on Monday and will apply irrespective of a post-Brexit deal , which is expected to be announced imminently .
This comes as the UK has been awarded ‘ third country ’ listed status to be allowed to export to the EU post-Brexit .
READ MORE : Meddling SNP intervenes in Brexit talks as Sturgeon pledges position This listing is essential to permit ongoing exports of Welsh lamb or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have on Scotland , the National Farmers Union said it was a “ critical step forward ” .
During the coronavirus pandemic , support for a second Scottish independence referendum rose , sparking SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to continue to demand another vote .
But over the weekend , the SNP were handed a devastating blow after two-thirds of Scots said they do not want another vote on independence next year .
DO N'T MISS Meddling Nicola Sturgeon demands Brexit extension after border chaos [ COMMENT ] Nicola Sturgeon goes to war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ INSIGHT ] SNP attacked over £330m funding row - ‘ Can ’ t get their story straight !
[ REVEAL ] A study by Survation found the percentage amid the coronavirus pandemic with Scots claiming the First Minister should be focusing on fighting the virus .
Ms Sturgeon has already said another referendum should happen in the “ earlier part ” of the next Holyrood term .
The poll results , when asked about the timing of another referendum , found 66 percent said a vote should not take place in 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vote taking place next year whilst 13 percent were not sure .

Brexit: SNP MP calls for 'grace period' for UK businesses
The UK Government is understood to have reached an agreement over ware (eating) potatoes with the EU but no agreement is thought to have been found over seeds. Scots fear this risks huge problems for their industry.
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Now, Ian Blackford, SNP leader in Westminster, has said this would be a “damaging blow” to Scotland and has used the reported agreement to continue calls for a second independence referendum. Mr Blackford, tweeted: “If this is the case this will be a damaging blow to Scotland made in Westminster and Boris Johnson. “If we want to protect our see potato producers Scotland needs to become independent and in the EU.” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "This is a disastrous Brexit outcome for Scottish farmers...and like all other aspects of Brexit, foisted on Scotland against our will."
SNP leader in Westminster Ian Blackford
Seed potatoes not including in reported deal with EU
It is believed the exports of seed potatoes will be barred from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Announcing the deal, the Defra letter said: “Unfortunately the EU have confirmed they will not accept our case for a permanent change to the prohibition on seed potatoes… on the grounds that there is no agreement for GB to be dynamically aligned with EU rules.” The EU will confirm this deal legally on Monday and will apply irrespective of a post-Brexit deal, which is expected to be announced imminently. This comes as the UK has been awarded ‘third country’ listed status to be allowed to export to the EU post-Brexit. READ MORE: Meddling SNP intervenes in Brexit talks as Sturgeon pledges position
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Scots call for second independence referendum
This listing is essential to permit ongoing exports of Welsh lamb or live chicks. Despite the effect it will have on Scotland, the National Farmers Union said it was a “critical step forward”. During the coronavirus pandemic, support for a second Scottish independence referendum rose, sparking SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to continue to demand another vote. But over the weekend, the SNP were handed a devastating blow after two-thirds of Scots said they do not want another vote on independence next year. DON'T MISS
Meddling Nicola Sturgeon demands Brexit extension after border chaos [COMMENT]
Nicola Sturgeon goes to war with Boris Johnson over EU plot [INSIGHT]
SNP attacked over £330m funding row - ‘Can’t get their story straight! [REVEAL]
Ian Blackford lashes out at Boris Johnson
A study by Survation found the percentage amid the coronavirus pandemic with Scots claiming the First Minister should be focusing on fighting the virus. Ms Sturgeon has already said another referendum should happen in the “earlier part” of the next Holyrood term. The poll results, when asked about the timing of another referendum, found 66 percent said a vote should not take place in 2021. Only 21 percent supported the idea of a vote taking place next year whilst 13 percent were not sure.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--'Dry your eyes' Remainer Grieve shamed as he fails to concede Brexit Britain will thrive

The arch-Remainer was confronted by Sky News Naill Paterson who reminded Mr Grieve plenty of Brexiteers have been calling for him to `` move away from the public stage '' as a Brexit deal is finally being signed by Boris Johnson and EU negotiators .
Mr Paterson said : `` Is this the point at which the wounds caused by Brexit can start to be healed ?
I ask the question because , and I 'm sure you will have seen on social media yourself today and on previous days , the number of people with Brexit supporting slogans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , dry your eyes and move away from the public stage , there are a fair few around this morning . ''
But the former Tory MP replied : `` They may say so but I dried my eyes a long time ago .
`` I sought to do what I thought was best for my country and I 'm getting on with my life .
`` These people will make or mar .
They have succeeded in getting a majority in 2016 to pursue a policy which I think is counterproductive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time people will say they were right or people will say they were wrong .
`` They will compare the wellbeing of people in the United Kingdom with the wellbeing of people in the European continent and they will come to a conclusion as to whether we did the right thing or not . ''
READ MORE : Furious Nigel Farage slams PM over last-minute Brexit deal with EU Negotiations on a UK-European Union trade deal are continuing amid widespread expectation an agreement is imminent .
Talks in Brussels were focused on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have indicated a Christmas Eve deal will be announced , bringing an end to months of wrangling just a week before current trading arrangements expire .
Boris Johnson has been in close contact with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in recent days as top-level efforts intensified to get a deal over the line .
The pair were expected to use a call on Christmas Eve to agree the deal .
The EU and Downing Street were poised to announce a deal on Wednesday night but that slipped as last-minute wrangling continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuelled by a late delivery of pizzas .
On Thursday morning a UK source said `` they 're still going on fish '' - the issue which has been one of the major stumbling blocks in the path to a deal .
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney told RTE Radio there had been `` some sort of last-minute hitch '' over the small print of the fisheries agreement but deal was still expected later .
Reports have suggested the UK has offered a deal where it will take back the right to land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes from British waters , phased in over five-and-a-half years .
As the battle to spin the situation began , French sources reportedly claimed the UK had made `` huge concessions '' , especially on fisheries - a symbolically important issue on both sides of the Channel .
A deal covering the UK-EU trading relationship worth almost £670 billion will come as a relief to business leaders .
If , as expected , it provides for trade free from tariffs and quotas the economic shock of breaking away from the EU 's single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But there will be an increase in bureaucracy as a result of leaving the EU 's trading regime .
DO N'T MISS : At last we have got something to cheer about , says LEO McKINSTRY [ COMMENT ] Brexit : Britain headed for new golden era as PM clinches agreement [ ANALYSIS ] Pound to euro price : Sterling rockets as Boris set to secure deal [ DATA ]

Brexit: Grieve asked by host about 'wounds' of UK leaving the EU
The arch-Remainer was confronted by Sky News Naill Paterson who reminded Mr Grieve plenty of Brexiteers have been calling for him to "move away from the public stage" as a Brexit deal is finally being signed by Boris Johnson and EU negotiators. Mr Paterson said: "Is this the point at which the wounds caused by Brexit can start to be healed? I ask the question because, and I'm sure you will have seen on social media yourself today and on previous days, the number of people with Brexit supporting slogans in their biographies suggesting you need to suck up, dry your eyes and move away from the public stage, there are a fair few around this morning."
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But the former Tory MP replied: "They may say so but I dried my eyes a long time ago. "I sought to do what I thought was best for my country and I'm getting on with my life. "These people will make or mar. They have succeeded in getting a majority in 2016 to pursue a policy which I think is counterproductive and mistaken. "In 10 years time people will say they were right or people will say they were wrong. "They will compare the wellbeing of people in the United Kingdom with the wellbeing of people in the European continent and they will come to a conclusion as to whether we did the right thing or not." READ MORE: Furious Nigel Farage slams PM over last-minute Brexit deal with EU
Brexit latest: Dominic Grieve insists UK should have not left EU
Brexit latest: Dominic Grieve was told 'dry your eyes' over Brexit
Negotiations on a UK-European Union trade deal are continuing amid widespread expectation an agreement is imminent. Talks in Brussels were focused on the details of fishing rights but both sides have indicated a Christmas Eve deal will be announced, bringing an end to months of wrangling just a week before current trading arrangements expire. Boris Johnson has been in close contact with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in recent days as top-level efforts intensified to get a deal over the line. The pair were expected to use a call on Christmas Eve to agree the deal. The EU and Downing Street were poised to announce a deal on Wednesday night but that slipped as last-minute wrangling continued. Negotiations continued through the night, fuelled by a late delivery of pizzas. On Thursday morning a UK source said "they're still going on fish" - the issue which has been one of the major stumbling blocks in the path to a deal.
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Brexit: Hilary Benn says he doesn't give Johnson any credit
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney told RTE Radio there had been "some sort of last-minute hitch" over the small print of the fisheries agreement but deal was still expected later. Reports have suggested the UK has offered a deal where it will take back the right to land 25 percent of what the EU currently takes from British waters, phased in over five-and-a-half years. As the battle to spin the situation began, French sources reportedly claimed the UK had made "huge concessions", especially on fisheries - a symbolically important issue on both sides of the Channel. A deal covering the UK-EU trading relationship worth almost £670 billion will come as a relief to business leaders. If, as expected, it provides for trade free from tariffs and quotas the economic shock of breaking away from the EU's single market and customs union will be softened. But there will be an increase in bureaucracy as a result of leaving the EU's trading regime. DON'T MISS:
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Brexit latest: Boris Johnson is expected to announce a Brexit deal today


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Fury as Remainers urge Labour to vote AGAINST Boris's EU deal without even seeing details

A historic post-Brexit trade deal is on the cusp of being delivered today more than four and a half years after the British people voted to leave the bloc .
Brexit negotiators were up until the early hours of the morning going through more than 2,000 pages of legal texts with a fine toothcomb .
The Prime Minister held a conference call with his cabinet late on Wednesday night and is widely expected to conduct a press conference to announce the deal later today .
The new partnership between the UK and EU is estimated to cover goods and services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even before the finer details of the agreement has been published and read , anti-Brexit campaigners have condemned Britain for leaving the bloc and claimed the UK will be worse off economically .
Ardent Remainer Andrew Adonis has claimed a Brexit deal will reduce trade between the UK and EU and has accused Boris Johnson of trying to evade scrutiny .
In a series of post on Twitter , the member of the House of Lords also urged Labour to vote against the deal and launch a campaign for the UK to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single market .
He said : “ Just told @ NickFerrariLBC that this will inevitably be a Trade Reduction Treaty , because it takes us out of the European single market & customs union .
“ The only question is how much damage it does , and the lack of democratic scrutiny of a 2,000 page treaty pushed through on the nod.
” He added : “ I don ’ t think Labour should support a Trade Reduction Treaty .
We should support re-entry to the European customs union & single market , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more poverty and unemployment.
” Fellow Remainer , Femi Oluwole warned a Tory Brexit deal will result in customs checks at the border and leave the UK exposed if it diverges from any agreement with the bloc .
The co-founder of the pro-European Union advocacy group Our Future Our Choice , added : “ After 5 years of Brexit ... Trade damaged automatically by customs paper work and differences in regulations .
“ And under # Brexitdeal , the moment we change our laws in a way the EU does n't want us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
And we did this for ... sovereignty & prosperity ?
” Reacting on Twitter , one user said : “ He 's done it again ...
He 's seen the details of the agreement before Westminster.
” READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Boris Johnson to deliver statement to nation in HOURS A second added : “ Instead of mouthing off wait until the details are released.
” Meanwhile , a third added : “ Still crying ?
Can ’ t have many tears left after 4 years.
” Reacting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party MEP Martin Daubney said : “ Can somebody please tell Femi & Lord Adonis : ‘ The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result ’ .
” Britain officially left the EU in January after signing the Brexit withdrawal agreement , but has been bound by EU rules during the 11-month transition period .
Throughout the negotiations issues surrounding fishing rights and the so-called level playing field on completion have proved a major hurdle .
Details of the deal will be closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is reported that Britain has offered to hand back a larger share of fishing quotas to the EU as well as a longer period of adjustment .
'Loser ' Hilary Benn belittles imminent Brexit deal announcement [ VIDEO ] Meghan Markle and Harry helped by family member with Christmas card [ INSIGHT ] Christmas Day weather forecast : Will there be a white Christmas ?
[ FORECAST ]

Brexit: Expert says a trade deal is looking 'very likely'
A historic post-Brexit trade deal is on the cusp of being delivered today more than four and a half years after the British people voted to leave the bloc. Brexit negotiators were up until the early hours of the morning going through more than 2,000 pages of legal texts with a fine toothcomb.
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The Prime Minister held a conference call with his cabinet late on Wednesday night and is widely expected to conduct a press conference to announce the deal later today. The new partnership between the UK and EU is estimated to cover goods and services to the tune of £670billion. But, even before the finer details of the agreement has been published and read, anti-Brexit campaigners have condemned Britain for leaving the bloc and claimed the UK will be worse off economically. Ardent Remainer Andrew Adonis has claimed a Brexit deal will reduce trade between the UK and EU and has accused Boris Johnson of trying to evade scrutiny.
Femi Oluwole and Andrew Adonis have lashed out at Brexit
Andrew Adonis has urged Labour to vote against the deal
In a series of post on Twitter, the member of the House of Lords also urged Labour to vote against the deal and launch a campaign for the UK to return to the EU customs union and single market. He said: “Just told @NickFerrariLBC that this will inevitably be a Trade Reduction Treaty, because it takes us out of the European single market & customs union. “The only question is how much damage it does, and the lack of democratic scrutiny of a 2,000 page treaty pushed through on the nod.” He added: “I don’t think Labour should support a Trade Reduction Treaty. We should support re-entry to the European customs union & single market, to create more and better jobs not more poverty and unemployment.”
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Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen are set to make an announcement today
Fellow Remainer, Femi Oluwole warned a Tory Brexit deal will result in customs checks at the border and leave the UK exposed if it diverges from any agreement with the bloc. The co-founder of the pro-European Union advocacy group Our Future Our Choice, added: “After 5 years of Brexit... Trade damaged automatically by customs paper work and differences in regulations. “And under #Brexitdeal, the moment we change our laws in a way the EU doesn't want us to, UK trade will be damaged more. And we did this for... sovereignty & prosperity?” Reacting on Twitter, one user said: “He's done it again... He's seen the details of the agreement before Westminster.” READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson to deliver statement to nation in HOURS
Femi Oluwole says a Brexit deal will harm trade with the EU
A second added: “Instead of mouthing off wait until the details are released.” Meanwhile, a third added: “Still crying? Can’t have many tears left after 4 years.” Reacting to this story on Twitter, former Brexit Party MEP Martin Daubney said: “Can somebody please tell Femi & Lord Adonis: ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result’.” Britain officially left the EU in January after signing the Brexit withdrawal agreement, but has been bound by EU rules during the 11-month transition period. Throughout the negotiations issues surrounding fishing rights and the so-called level playing field on completion have proved a major hurdle. Details of the deal will be closely inspected by both sides, but is it is reported that Britain has offered to hand back a larger share of fishing quotas to the EU as well as a longer period of adjustment. DON'T MISS 'Loser' Hilary Benn belittles imminent Brexit deal announcement [VIDEO]
Meghan Markle and Harry helped by family member with Christmas card [INSIGHT]
Christmas Day weather forecast: Will there be a white Christmas? [FORECAST]
A timeline of Brexit negotiations with the EU


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--'Remainers are livid!' Boris Brexit deal hailed a success by readers in Express poll

Commenting on the poll , one reader said : `` Remainers are livid so that 's a plus for me . ''
Another wrote : `` Watched Nigel Farage being interviewed and he seemed happy enough , so I ’ m happy enough ! ''
A third commented : `` Yes , I think , I 'll know better when I know what it entails , I am however , supremely happy we 're rid of the EU ! ''
Another added : `` If Farage is happy it must be acceptable , but no doubt people will want it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A fifth said : `` A fair deal which will allow the United Kingdom to trade at a global level . ''
One more commented : `` Time will tell , when all the small print has been digested ! ''
The UK and the EU reached an 11th hour breakthrough after months of negotiations led by Lord Frost and Michel Barnier .
In a Downing Street press conference , a triumphant Mr Johnson said the agreement resolves the European question which has `` bedevilled '' British politics for generations .
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexiteers delighted as UK 'outflanks EU' '' British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end . ''
In a Christmas message for the country , Mr Johnson described the last-minute deal as `` glad tidings of great joy '' .
Speaking in a video on Twitter , he said he had a `` present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleep post-Christmas lunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 500-page document , he added : `` The oven-ready deal was just the starter .
This is the feast - full of fish , by the way .

Brexit: Johnson announces UK has completed trade deal with EU
Express.co.uk asked readers if they were happy with the Prime Minister's Christmas Eve trade agreement with Brussels. Some 57 percent said yes, while 33 percent replied no, and 10 percent did not know.
Commenting on the poll, one reader said: "Remainers are livid so that's a plus for me." Another wrote: "Watched Nigel Farage being interviewed and he seemed happy enough, so I’m happy enough!" A third commented: "Yes, I think, I'll know better when I know what it entails, I am however, supremely happy we're rid of the EU!" Another added: "If Farage is happy it must be acceptable, but no doubt people will want it 100% in our favour."
Express.co.uk readers backed Boris Johnson's post-Brexit deal in a poll
Express.co.uk asked readers if they were happy with the Prime Minister's Christmas Eve trade agreement with Brussels
A fifth said: "A fair deal which will allow the United Kingdom to trade at a global level." One more commented: "Time will tell, when all the small print has been digested!" The UK and the EU reached an 11th hour breakthrough after months of negotiations led by Lord Frost and Michel Barnier. In a Downing Street press conference, a triumphant Mr Johnson said the agreement resolves the European question which has "bedevilled" British politics for generations. READ MORE: 'Boris has played a BLINDER' Brexiteers delighted as UK 'outflanks EU'
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The UK and the EU reached an 11th hour breakthrough after months of negotiations led by Lord Frost and Michel Barnier
In a Downing Street press conference, a triumphant Mr Johnson said the agreement resolves the European question which has "bedevilled" British politics for generations
He insisted the UK had managed to "take back control" as promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum
"British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end." In a Christmas message for the country, Mr Johnson described the last-minute deal as "glad tidings of great joy". Speaking in a video on Twitter, he said he had a "present for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleep post-Christmas lunch moment". Picking up a copy of the 500-page document, he added: "The oven-ready deal was just the starter. This is the feast - full of fish, by the way.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deal was "fair and balanced"
"I believe it will be the basis of a happy and successful and stable partnership with our friends in the EU for years to come." Speaking in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "We have finally found an agreement. "It was a long and winding road, but we have got a good deal to show for it. "It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides." Sign up to our Express.co.uk app - get all the news and features direct to your mobile phone or tablet
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--Fishing for Leave tears up Boris Johnson's Brexit deal over quotas - 'P*** poor effort!'

As details of the trade pact emerged , the group which represents fishermen issued a stern statement warning they were far from satisfied from what they had read so far .
They said : “ Sadly , from what ’ s emerging , the trade deal treaty is far from a clean break to international normality/law.
” Fishing for Leave added : “ The emerging details on what ’ s been agreed in relation to fishing would seem to be a cop-out to secure an overall pretty dismal deal , and that fishing communities who paid the ultimate price on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settlement to pay for a deal on the way out.
” The group published a list of key demands for the industry and said if the Prime Minister ’ s agreement with Brussels fails to deliver the points “ it is a p*** poor effort ” .
It included a demand for the allocation of quota to be based on zonal attachment , with the 60 percent of quota caught by EU boats in UK waters going to UK boats .
Mr Johnson ’ s deal with the EU states British vessels will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quota in UK seas .
Under the Commons Fisheries Policy ( CFP ) , British boats could catch only around half of the fish in UK waters .
However , Britain ’ s fishermen will not be handed the new benefits overnight .
Under the terms of the deal , the fishing changes will be phased in over a five-and-a-half year transition .
The group accused the Government of caving into Brussels ’ demands to effectively establish a “ fishing backstop ” .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson hilariously 'trolls ' EU with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson had signed up to a deal “ whereby the EU can retaliate with tariffs on goods should the UK seek to move to a position akin to the other Nordic nations after the five-and-a-half year period.
” The transition period agreed was significantly lower than the 14 years first demanded by the EU .
Fishing for Leave warned the arrangement would lead to a desperate situation for fishermen on January 1 .
The group said Britain would find itself “ stuck like a broken record ” as the EU continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rich fishing grounds .
DO N'T MISS Brexit deal done : 4 ways Britain will benefit from Boris Brexit deal [ ANALYSIS ] Andrew Bridgen hints ERG set to back Boris ' historic Brexit deal [ INTERVIEW ] 'Great Fisheries Sell-Out ' Brexiteer fury at Boris fishing transition [ INSIGHT ] And they said the increase in quota which will be given to British boats under the deal amounts to “ just a bit more fish to save some political face ” .
Though a small part of the economy , fishing rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides as the UK saw them as a symbol of its sovereignty .
Britain made concessions as the deadline for a deal loomed , but Mr Johnson insisted the result was that the UK would again be an `` independent coastal state with full control of our waters '' .
During his televised speech this afternoon , Mr Johnson promised to pump £100 million into the UK ’ s fishing industry to prepare it to take advantage of quota increases in the coming years .
But Fishing for Leave dismissed the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” designed to sell his deal to fishermen .
The group said : “ The PM ’ s announcement made great fanfare of the fishing industry getting a £100 million modernisation fund .

Brexit: Johnson says UK has 'full control' of fishing waters
As details of the trade pact emerged, the group which represents fishermen issued a stern statement warning they were far from satisfied from what they had read so far. They said: “Sadly, from what’s emerging, the trade deal treaty is far from a clean break to international normality/law.”
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Fishing for Leave added: “The emerging details on what’s been agreed in relation to fishing would seem to be a cop-out to secure an overall pretty dismal deal, and that fishing communities who paid the ultimate price on the way in will get a poor settlement to pay for a deal on the way out.” The group published a list of key demands for the industry and said if the Prime Minister’s agreement with Brussels fails to deliver the points “it is a p*** poor effort”. It included a demand for the allocation of quota to be based on zonal attachment, with the 60 percent of quota caught by EU boats in UK waters going to UK boats. Mr Johnson’s deal with the EU states British vessels will be entitled to catch around two-thirds of quota in UK seas.
Fishing for Leave has ripped up Boris Johnson's Brexit deal
Boris Johnson said the deal would enable the UK to take back control of its waters
Under the Commons Fisheries Policy (CFP), British boats could catch only around half of the fish in UK waters. However, Britain’s fishermen will not be handed the new benefits overnight. Under the terms of the deal, the fishing changes will be phased in over a five-and-a-half year transition. The group accused the Government of caving into Brussels’ demands to effectively establish a “fishing backstop”. READ MORE: Boris Johnson hilariously 'trolls' EU with tie covered in FISH
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The Prime Minister said he had sealed a 'Canada-style' trade deal
The campaigners said Mr Johnson had signed up to a deal “whereby the EU can retaliate with tariffs on goods should the UK seek to move to a position akin to the other Nordic nations after the five-and-a-half year period.” The transition period agreed was significantly lower than the 14 years first demanded by the EU. Fishing for Leave warned the arrangement would lead to a desperate situation for fishermen on January 1. The group said Britain would find itself “stuck like a broken record” as the EU continues to enjoy access to the UK’s rich fishing grounds. DON'T MISS
Brexit deal done: 4 ways Britain will benefit from Boris Brexit deal [ANALYSIS]
Andrew Bridgen hints ERG set to back Boris' historic Brexit deal [INTERVIEW]
'Great Fisheries Sell-Out' Brexiteer fury at Boris fishing transition [INSIGHT]
Fishing rights was one of the main stumbling blocks to a deal
The Prime Minister celebrates his deal
And they said the increase in quota which will be given to British boats under the deal amounts to “just a bit more fish to save some political face”. Though a small part of the economy, fishing rights became a totemic tussle between the two sides as the UK saw them as a symbol of its sovereignty. Britain made concessions as the deadline for a deal loomed, but Mr Johnson insisted the result was that the UK would again be an "independent coastal state with full control of our waters".
Brexit: Von der Leyen says EU has ‘predictability’ over fishing
During his televised speech this afternoon, Mr Johnson promised to pump £100 million into the UK’s fishing industry to prepare it to take advantage of quota increases in the coming years. But Fishing for Leave dismissed the Prime Minister’s offer as a “bribe” designed to sell his deal to fishermen. The group said: “The PM’s announcement made great fanfare of the fishing industry getting a £100 million modernisation fund.
The EU's Ursula von der Leyen said she felt relieved the trade talks had concluded with a deal


thedailyexpress--2020-12-25--That's why we left! EU mask slips as bitter German MEP makes final dig at UK

German MEP Manfred Weber accused Boris Johnson of `` obstructionism '' in negotiations , adding that the agreement was `` better late than never '' .
He tweeted : `` We are relieved to know that despite @ 10DowningStreet obstructionism the EU and the UK finally agreed on a future trade relationship .
`` The draft agreement comes very late , but better late than never ... Now Parliament can finally get to work to scrutinise the deal .
`` We congratulate and honour @ MichelBarnier and his team for his commitment and dedication in this historic process .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending Brexit saga , but we aren ’ t there yet .
The @ Europarl_EN will take its time before finally approving the text . ''
The deal was secured at the 11th hour on Christmas Eve , a week before the transition period ends .
In a Downing Street press conference , the Prime Minister said the agreement resolves the European question which has `` bedevilled '' British politics for generations .
He insisted the UK had managed to `` take back control '' as promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken back control of our laws and our destiny .
`` We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered .
READ MORE : EU insider 's furious parting swipe : 'We will not be friends ! '
`` From January 1 we are outside the customs union and outside the single market .
`` British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Speaking in Brussels , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said : `` We have finally found an agreement .
`` It was a long and winding road , but we have got a good deal to show for it .
DO N'T MISS Nicola Sturgeon issues desperate Twitter attack MINUTES after deal [ INSIGHT ] What does Brexit deal mean for jobs ?
[ ANALYSIS ] 'Relieved ' Barnier outlines four key pillars of Brexit deal [ VIDEO ] '' It is fair , it is a balanced deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing to do for both sides . ''
The European Commission chief said she felt `` quiet satisfaction '' and `` relief '' that a deal had been concluded .
She added : `` It is time to leave Brexit behind , our future is made in Europe . ''

Brexit: Johnson announces UK has completed trade deal with EU
German MEP Manfred Weber accused Boris Johnson of "obstructionism" in negotiations, adding that the agreement was "better late than never". He tweeted: "We are relieved to know that despite @10DowningStreet obstructionism the EU and the UK finally agreed on a future trade relationship.
"The draft agreement comes very late, but better late than never... Now Parliament can finally get to work to scrutinise the deal. "We congratulate and honour @MichelBarnier and his team for his commitment and dedication in this historic process. "We are about to close the never ending Brexit saga, but we aren’t there yet. The @Europarl_EN will take its time before finally approving the text." The deal was secured at the 11th hour on Christmas Eve, a week before the transition period ends.
A German MEP has made a final dig at Britain after a post-Brexit trade deal was agreed
German MEP Manfred Weber accused Boris Johnson of "obstructionism" in negotiations
In a Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister said the agreement resolves the European question which has "bedevilled" British politics for generations. He insisted the UK had managed to "take back control" as promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Mr Johnson said: "We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny. "We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered. READ MORE: EU insider's furious parting swipe: 'We will not be friends!'
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Boris Johnson insisted the UK had managed to 'take back control' as promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum
"From January 1 we are outside the customs union and outside the single market. "British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end." Speaking in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "We have finally found an agreement. "It was a long and winding road, but we have got a good deal to show for it. DON'T MISS
Nicola Sturgeon issues desperate Twitter attack MINUTES after deal [INSIGHT]
What does Brexit deal mean for jobs? [ANALYSIS]
'Relieved' Barnier outlines four key pillars of Brexit deal [VIDEO]
We are relieved to know that despite @10DowningStreet obstructionism the EU and the UK finally agreed on a future trade relationship. The draft agreement comes very late, but better late than never... Now Parliament can finally get to work to scrutinise the deal. #Brexit 1/2 — Manfred Weber (@ManfredWeber) December 24, 2020
"It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides." The European Commission chief said she felt "quiet satisfaction" and "relief" that a deal had been concluded. She added: "It is time to leave Brexit behind, our future is made in Europe."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deal was "fair and balanced"
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Now for the US deal! American ambassador congratulates Boris and hails 'new opportunities'

Ambassador Johnson hailed the historic agreement and said there would be “ so many new opportunities ” for the UK and the US to pursue in the future .
He posted a clip of the Prime Minister ’ s speech on Twitter , and wrote : “ Congratulations to the UK and EU on striking a Brexit deal.
” He said there would be “ so many new opportunities to pursue ” between London and Washington .
Ambassador Johnson 's tweet came just hours after the Prime Minister announced a free trade agreement had been sealed with Brussels .
Negotiators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final points on the much-anticipated deal , which came just eight days before the UK leaves the transition period .
US President Donald Trump has in the past said Washington wanted a big post-Brexit trade deal with London .
Ambassador Johnson recently offered an update on trade talks between Britain and America .
On December 17 he shared a screengrab of an Express.co.uk poll which showed readers would rather see a UK-US trade deal than a UK-EU pact .
He told his followers : `` We 're going to get this done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day after the UK and the US signed a customs agreement .
READ MORE : EU are you watching ?
Britain signs trade agreement with US The Ambassador shared a photo of himself signing the agreement alongside Jesse Norman , financial secretary to the Treasury .
Mr Trump 's man in Britain said the deal would `` ensure our important crime-fighting will continue uninterrupted '' .
Under the terms of the agreement , London and Washington agreed to exchange information and evidence to assist the two nations in the enforcement of customs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , proliferation , money laundering and terrorism-related activities .
Ambassador Johnson said the signing of the agreement would mean continued cooperation to stop the illegal flow of weapons and drugs between the two nations .
DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson hilariously 'trolls ' EU with tie covered in FISH [ PICTURES ] Brexit deal done : 4 ways Britain will benefit from Boris Brexit deal [ EXPLAINED ] Sky News ' Adam Parsons 'puts money ' on MEPs backing Brexit deal [ VIDEO ] And in early December he met with the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss the ongoing trade talks .
Ambassador Johnson said both sides were “ working hard every day to get a great FTA ” .
Last week the US trade representative , Robert Lighthizer , said both nations were close to reaching an agreement on reducing trade tariffs .
Mr Lighthizer , who is a member of Mr Trump ’ s outgoing administration , said he was discussing the possible lifting of US levies on goods including Scotch whisky .
He suggested an agreement on tariffs could appear in the coming weeks .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m hopeful we can get some kind of an agreement out , you know , we don ’ t have a lot of time left.
” President Trump is due to leave the Oval Office on January 20 , as President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in .
At around 3pm on Christmas Eve Mr Johnson 's office announced a trade deal had been struck with Brussels .

Brexit: Johnson announces UK has completed trade deal with EU
Ambassador Johnson hailed the historic agreement and said there would be “so many new opportunities” for the UK and the US to pursue in the future. He posted a clip of the Prime Minister’s speech on Twitter, and wrote: “Congratulations to the UK and EU on striking a Brexit deal.”
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He said there would be “so many new opportunities to pursue” between London and Washington. Ambassador Johnson's tweet came just hours after the Prime Minister announced a free trade agreement had been sealed with Brussels. Negotiators worked through the night to hammer out the final points on the much-anticipated deal, which came just eight days before the UK leaves the transition period. US President Donald Trump has in the past said Washington wanted a big post-Brexit trade deal with London.
Woody Johnson congratulated the PM on the deal
Boris Johnson celebrating his trade deal with the EU
Ambassador Johnson recently offered an update on trade talks between Britain and America. On December 17 he shared a screengrab of an Express.co.uk poll which showed readers would rather see a UK-US trade deal than a UK-EU pact. He told his followers: "We're going to get this done for YOU!" His pledge came a day after the UK and the US signed a customs agreement. READ MORE: EU are you watching? Britain signs trade agreement with US
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Ambassador Johnson gives the thumbs up
The Ambassador shared a photo of himself signing the agreement alongside Jesse Norman, financial secretary to the Treasury. Mr Trump's man in Britain said the deal would "ensure our important crime-fighting will continue uninterrupted". Under the terms of the agreement, London and Washington agreed to exchange information and evidence to assist the two nations in the enforcement of customs laws, including duty evasion, trafficking, proliferation, money laundering and terrorism-related activities. Ambassador Johnson said the signing of the agreement would mean continued cooperation to stop the illegal flow of weapons and drugs between the two nations. DON'T MISS
Boris Johnson hilariously 'trolls' EU with tie covered in FISH [PICTURES]
Brexit deal done: 4 ways Britain will benefit from Boris Brexit deal [EXPLAINED]
Sky News' Adam Parsons 'puts money' on MEPs backing Brexit deal [VIDEO]
Ambassador Johnson met with Liz Truss this month to discuss a trade deal
Boris Johnson said the deal would protect jobs in the UK
And in early December he met with the UK's International Trade Secretary Liz Truss to discuss the ongoing trade talks. Ambassador Johnson said both sides were “working hard every day to get a great FTA”. Last week the US trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, said both nations were close to reaching an agreement on reducing trade tariffs. Mr Lighthizer, who is a member of Mr Trump’s outgoing administration, said he was discussing the possible lifting of US levies on goods including Scotch whisky.
US will 'absolutely' work on UK trade deal says Woody Johnson
He suggested an agreement on tariffs could appear in the coming weeks. He told the BBC: “I’m hopeful we can get some kind of an agreement out, you know, we don’t have a lot of time left.” President Trump is due to leave the Oval Office on January 20, as President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in. At around 3pm on Christmas Eve Mr Johnson's office announced a trade deal had been struck with Brussels.
Ambassador Johnson with President Trump


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--'Boris has played a BLINDER' Brexiteers delighted as UK 'outflanks EU' - deal clinched

Daniel Kawczynski said the result was evidence that Lord David Frost and his negotiating team had `` outflanked '' the EU 's Michel Barnier , while party colleague Robert Halfon highlighted the Prime Minister 's achievement in finding something Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage could agree on .
Mr Kawczysnki was speaking after the details of the deal were confirmed by both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission this afternoon .
The MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham told Express.co.uk : `` I think PM and his team have played a blinder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I am very proud of the British team . ''
Details of the agreement are still emerging - but it appears Lord Frost has succeeded in persuading the UK 's insistence that the European Court of Justice ( ECJ ) should have a role in settling future disputes .
** GET THE EXPRESS DELIVERED FREE FOR SIX WEEKS ** Mr Kawczynski added : `` The removal of the ECJ is critical and the Prime Minister has done very well on that . ''
He also said he had few concerns about legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the House of Commons before the end of the year .
He explained : `` I believe the deal will be easily ratified before Dec 31 .
JUST IN : Tier 4 shift inevitable as new Covid strains hit England '' Even Nigel Farage is not complaining about it ! ''
As for fishing , where Mr Johnson is thought to have made significant concessions in order to get a deal over the line , he said : `` There is movement in Britain 's way on fishing already .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our fishing grounds but this is a good start . ''
Mr Halfon , Tory MP for Harlow , Essex , said : `` Boris has pulled out some magic rabbits out of the Brexit hat , that 's for sure .
DO N'T MISS John Redwood dismantles EU 's 'empty threats ' over no deal Brexit [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit fishing row : UK 'must defend its waters ' as MEP turns on EU [ INSIGHT ] Brexit warning : ANY Brexit deal will now put Boris at risk from ERG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back control of our money , our laws and our fish . ''
Referring to the Brexit Party leader 's unexpected praise earlier today , he added : `` It 's an incredible achievement to get both Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage backing this deal . ''
John Penrose , Tory MP for Weston-super-Mare told Express.co.uk : `` 'Zero tariffs and zero quotas are the two big truths about this deal .
`` Everything else is secondary for British jobs & exports .
`` It 's a victory for democracy , four years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory MP for Lichfield Michael Fabricant tweeted : `` 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 . ''
In a statement issued this afternoon , Mr Johnson said : `` This agreement with the European Union is designed to honour the instruction of the British people - expressed in the referendum of 2016 and the general election last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws , borders , money , trade and fisheries .

Brexit: Michel Barnier outlines ‘four pillars’ of deal
Daniel Kawczynski said the result was evidence that Lord David Frost and his negotiating team had "outflanked" the EU's Michel Barnier, while party colleague Robert Halfon highlighted the Prime Minister's achievement in finding something Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage could agree on. Mr Kawczysnki was speaking after the details of the deal were confirmed by both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission this afternoon.
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The MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham told Express.co.uk: "I think PM and his team have played a blinder. "They have outflanked the EU and I am very proud of the British team." Details of the agreement are still emerging - but it appears Lord Frost has succeeded in persuading the UK's insistence that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) should have a role in settling future disputes. ** GET THE EXPRESS DELIVERED FREE FOR SIX WEEKS **
Boris Johnson in Downing Street this afternoon
Michel Barnier pictured in Brussels with Lord David Frost
Mr Kawczynski added: "The removal of the ECJ is critical and the Prime Minister has done very well on that." He also said he had few concerns about legislation enshrining the agreement in law being approved by the House of Commons before the end of the year. He explained: "I believe the deal will be easily ratified before Dec 31. JUST IN: Tier 4 shift inevitable as new Covid strains hit England
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Nigel Farage praised Mr Johnson earlier today
Daniel Kawczynski, Tory MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham
Robert Halfon, Tory MP for Harlow
"He's taken back control of our money, our laws and our fish." Referring to the Brexit Party leader's unexpected praise earlier today, he added: "It's an incredible achievement to get both Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage backing this deal." John Penrose, Tory MP for Weston-super-Mare told Express.co.uk: "'Zero tariffs and zero quotas are the two big truths about this deal. "Everything else is secondary for British jobs & exports.
Brexit timeline
"It's a victory for democracy, four years after the referendum was held." Tory MP for Lichfield Michael Fabricant tweeted: "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." In a statement issued this afternoon, Mr Johnson said: "This agreement with the European Union is designed to honour the instruction of the British people - expressed in the referendum of 2016 and the general election last year - to take back control of our laws, borders, money, trade and fisheries.
Michael Fabricant, Tory MP for Lichfield


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Blackford humiliated as he urges EU to 'leave light on' for Scotland as Brexit deal agreed

The SNP 's Westminster leader insisted Scotland will soon make its way back to the European Union as an independent member state .
Mr Blackford urged Brussels to `` leave a light on '' as his party seeks to secure a new vote on independence after the Scottish Elections in 2020 .
Mr Blackford told BBC News : `` We 're not talking about leaving the United Kingdom , we 're talking about political independence .
`` The social union , the trading relationship we 've had within these islands will continue .
`` The opportunities for us to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's what is important , it 's the door that 's being close to many of these opportunities that we need to find a way back to .
`` It 's interesting that Mrs von der Leyen was talking about sharing sovereignty across the 27 nations .
`` My message to Europe is to leave a light on because we want to come back .
We want to be that 28th member and we certainly want to make sure that we can benefit from the size of the European Market . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frost and Boris secured the deal - Story behind UK 's fight for freedom However , Mr Blackford saw his appeal to Brussels ridiculed as BBC viewers took to social media to remind the SNP politicians Brexit was the result of a `` democratic '' process .
One user wrote on Twitter : `` Democracy remember that when we voted for Brexit .
`` It was a democratic vote of the whole UK not just Scotland and leave won can you remember that its f****ng great watching Blackford and krankie crying . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting an agreement with EU .
Commiserations to Ian Blackford , Nicola Sturgeon , SNP , and all their separatists cult , who have just seen any chance they had of getting independence blown out of the water .
UK or EU ?
READ MORE : France 's Brexit plan : Macron plotted to bring Britain back into 'transformed ' EU '' UK every day of the week .
Merry Christmas . ''
One social media user added : `` Ian Blackford of the SNP naturally used the deal to argue for Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only way for Scotland to stay part of Europe .
He neglects to say that Scexit is a merely a rerun of Brexit - destructive , economically calamitous nationalism . ''
And another said : `` SNP leadership are to blame for the place they are in .. either they vote with the Tories who want the deal or they vote with the Tories who do n't want the deal.. in either case , Ian Blackford and Nicola Sturgeon 's promise that we wo n't be dragged out against our will is broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's adviser urges to create free zone in Dover and Calais [ EXCLUSIVE ] Joe Biden to boost Macron 's plan to DETHRONE City of London [ ANALYSIS ] EU chaos : Macron could go against bloc 's rules to appease rival [ REVEALED ]

Brexit: Blackford urges EU to 'leave light on' for Scotland
The SNP's Westminster leader insisted Scotland will soon make its way back to the European Union as an independent member state. Mr Blackford urged Brussels to "leave a light on" as his party seeks to secure a new vote on independence after the Scottish Elections in 2020. Mr Blackford told BBC News: "We're not talking about leaving the United Kingdom, we're talking about political independence.
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"The social union, the trading relationship we've had within these islands will continue. "The opportunities for us to work collectively with our friends in Europe, that's what is important, it's the door that's being close to many of these opportunities that we need to find a way back to. "It's interesting that Mrs von der Leyen was talking about sharing sovereignty across the 27 nations. "My message to Europe is to leave a light on because we want to come back. We want to be that 28th member and we certainly want to make sure that we can benefit from the size of the European Market." JUST IN: Brexit VICTORY! How Frost and Boris secured the deal - Story behind UK's fight for freedom
Blackford pleaded with the EU to keep
Blackford's argument for independence was ridiculed on social media
However, Mr Blackford saw his appeal to Brussels ridiculed as BBC viewers took to social media to remind the SNP politicians Brexit was the result of a "democratic" process. One user wrote on Twitter: "Democracy remember that when we voted for Brexit. "It was a democratic vote of the whole UK not just Scotland and leave won can you remember that its f****ng great watching Blackford and krankie crying." Another said: "#ThankyouBoris for getting an agreement with EU. Commiserations to Ian Blackford, Nicola Sturgeon, SNP, and all their separatists cult, who have just seen any chance they had of getting independence blown out of the water. UK or EU? READ MORE: France's Brexit plan: Macron plotted to bring Britain back into 'transformed' EU
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Brexit: European Parliament backed to approve deal by Parsons
Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland did not vote for Brexit and should not be forced out of the EU
"UK every day of the week. Merry Christmas." One social media user added: "Ian Blackford of the SNP naturally used the deal to argue for Scottish independence. "In his eyes the only way for Scotland to stay part of Europe. He neglects to say that Scexit is a merely a rerun of Brexit - destructive, economically calamitous nationalism." And another said: "SNP leadership are to blame for the place they are in .. either they vote with the Tories who want the deal or they vote with the Tories who don't want the deal.. in either case, Ian Blackford and Nicola Sturgeon's promise that we won't be dragged out against our will is broken." DON'T MISS:
Boris Johnson's adviser urges to create free zone in Dover and Calais [EXCLUSIVE]
Joe Biden to boost Macron's plan to DETHRONE City of London [ANALYSIS]
EU chaos: Macron could go against bloc's rules to appease rival [REVEALED]
The Brexit deal will need to be ratified by both the UK and EU Parliament, as well as the 27's national parliaments


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--Brexit VICTORY! How Frost and Boris secured the deal - Story behind UK's fight for freedom

A triumphant Boris Johnson was snapped celebrating emphatically in No10 after one final phone call with Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen just before 2pm on Christmas Eve .
But it was the PM ’ s team of officials , led by Lord Frost , who had worked tirelessly , fuelled by takeaway pizzas , sandwiches and mince pies , for over two weeks in Brussels .
The final stretch of the negotiations , which began in March as the Covid pandemic ripped across the Continent , saw both sides hammering out a final compromise over the future fishing rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” shortly after 2pm on December 23 , the wrangling was held up by a gaffe on the EU side .
Eurocrats had used the wrong figures to calculate what fish EU boats would be able to land from British waters after the bloc handed back 25 percent of its catch .
The entire future relationship pact worth some £660 billion hinged on a fraction of that in the value of fish .
“ I will never eat fish again , ” one frustrated official groaned as it dawned the wrangling could even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close before Christmas Day .
** GET THE EXPRESS DELIVERED FREE FOR SIX WEEKS ** But even before the last-minute crisis talks , as officials attempted to translate Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen ’ s political compromise into reality , the process had never quite looked like it was ready to produce a deal .
Just 20 days earlier , Lord Frost and EU counterpart Michel Barnier had pressed pause on the talks to admit they needed a political shove if they were ever to succeed .
The pair couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the so-called “ level-playing field ” that will ensure fair competition between the EU and UK as part of the tariff and quota-free trade agreement .
Hardline EU states , such as France , were pushing for the mechanism to develop over time , locking Britain to future evolutionary changes in Brussels regulations .
For Britain , this simply wasn ’ t acceptable given the Prime Minister ’ s pledge to reclaim control of Britain ’ s laws , borders and coastal waters .
Rows over fisheries agreements compiled further misery on negotiators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadlock .
Last week , Mr Barnier tabled a “ final offer ” to Lord Frost – handing back 25 percent by value of the EU ’ s catch in UK waters , phased in over seven years .
Britain ’ s counter offer was deemed “ totally unacceptable ” to Brussels ’ chief haggler with the bloc asked to give back 35 percent with a three-year transition period .
MUST READ : BBC refuses to interrupt Cars 3 for Boris Johnson 's Brexit speech As an agreement emerged on the level-playing field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched their focus to the battle over access to Britain ’ s coastal waters .
Britain would be free to diverge from the bloc ’ s rulebook and out of the clutches of the European Court of Justice – a key redline for No10 .
Mr Johnson exchanged more than four phone calls with the Commission President in a bid to not let the £590 million-a-year issue wreck the trade agreement .
Mrs von der Leyen drafted in one of her top officials , Stephanie Riso , a veteran of the divorce negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The French aide added real dynamism to the talks , with British officials crediting her for finally engaging in a serious deal-doing discussion .
Mr Barnier had effectively been sidelined .
The man at the heart of the EU ’ s Brexit efforts for four-and-a-half years was no longer in charge of the ship .
The agreement began to take shape , the EU suddenly dropped its demand to have the ability to punish Britain for closing access to our fishing waters in the future .
DO N'T MISS Gloating Emmanuel Macron ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ INSIGHT ] Andrew Bridgen hints ERG set to back Boris ' historic Brexit deal [ VIDEO ] Boris Johnson Brexit statement in FULL - 'Good deal for Europe ' [ REVEALED ]

Brexit: Johnson announces UK has completed trade deal with EU
A triumphant Boris Johnson was snapped celebrating emphatically in No10 after one final phone call with Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen just before 2pm on Christmas Eve. But it was the PM’s team of officials, led by Lord Frost, who had worked tirelessly, fuelled by takeaway pizzas, sandwiches and mince pies, for over two weeks in Brussels. The final stretch of the negotiations, which began in March as the Covid pandemic ripped across the Continent, saw both sides hammering out a final compromise over the future fishing rights.
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Having entered their “end phase” shortly after 2pm on December 23, the wrangling was held up by a gaffe on the EU side. Eurocrats had used the wrong figures to calculate what fish EU boats would be able to land from British waters after the bloc handed back 25 percent of its catch. The entire future relationship pact worth some £660 billion hinged on a fraction of that in the value of fish. “I will never eat fish again,” one frustrated official groaned as it dawned the wrangling could even see the talks not brought to a close before Christmas Day. ** GET THE EXPRESS DELIVERED FREE FOR SIX WEEKS **
The story behind how Britain secured a free-trade agreement
Boris Johnson at his victory speech this afternoon
But even before the last-minute crisis talks, as officials attempted to translate Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen’s political compromise into reality, the process had never quite looked like it was ready to produce a deal. Just 20 days earlier, Lord Frost and EU counterpart Michel Barnier had pressed pause on the talks to admit they needed a political shove if they were ever to succeed. The pair couldn’t quite see a way forward on the so-called “level-playing field” that will ensure fair competition between the EU and UK as part of the tariff and quota-free trade agreement. Hardline EU states, such as France, were pushing for the mechanism to develop over time, locking Britain to future evolutionary changes in Brussels regulations.
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For Britain, this simply wasn’t acceptable given the Prime Minister’s pledge to reclaim control of Britain’s laws, borders and coastal waters. Rows over fisheries agreements compiled further misery on negotiators as they attempted to work through the deadlock. Last week, Mr Barnier tabled a “final offer” to Lord Frost – handing back 25 percent by value of the EU’s catch in UK waters, phased in over seven years. Britain’s counter offer was deemed “totally unacceptable” to Brussels’ chief haggler with the bloc asked to give back 35 percent with a three-year transition period. MUST READ: BBC refuses to interrupt Cars 3 for Boris Johnson's Brexit speech
Britain secures Brexit trade deal 1,645 days after voting to quit the EU
As an agreement emerged on the level-playing field, the EU and UK teams quickly switched their focus to the battle over access to Britain’s coastal waters. Britain would be free to diverge from the bloc’s rulebook and out of the clutches of the European Court of Justice – a key redline for No10. Mr Johnson exchanged more than four phone calls with the Commission President in a bid to not let the £590 million-a-year issue wreck the trade agreement. Mrs von der Leyen drafted in one of her top officials, Stephanie Riso, a veteran of the divorce negotiations, to oversee the final compromise. The French aide added real dynamism to the talks, with British officials crediting her for finally engaging in a serious deal-doing discussion. Mr Barnier had effectively been sidelined. The man at the heart of the EU’s Brexit efforts for four-and-a-half years was no longer in charge of the ship. The agreement began to take shape, the EU suddenly dropped its demand to have the ability to punish Britain for closing access to our fishing waters in the future. DON'T MISS
Gloating Emmanuel Macron can't resist Brexit deal swipe at UK [INSIGHT]
Andrew Bridgen hints ERG set to back Boris' historic Brexit deal [VIDEO]
Boris Johnson Brexit statement in FULL - 'Good deal for Europe' [REVEALED]
Brexit deal: Ursula von der Leyen confirms UK-EU agreement
Lord David Frost has been Boris's reliable Brexit negotiator


thedailyexpress--2020-12-24--BREXIT BOOST: Four ways Britain will see huge benefits from Boris Johnson’s EU trade deal

The UK and European Union have finally reached a historic agreement on post- Brexit trade , some four years after Britain first voted to end the nation ’ s relationship with the Brussels bloc .
The new deal has been hailed as fair and balanced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen , while Boris Johnson said the agreement was good for the “ whole of Europe ” .
Speaking from Number 10 Downing Street today , the Prime Minister said : `` We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny .
We have taken back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered.
” Some 500 pages of the deal have yet to be published and the agreement is still to be ratified .
** GET THE EXPRESS DELIVERED FREE FOR SIX WEEKS ** But MPs are expected to vote on the agreement in Parliament on December 30 , but it is expected to pass through the House of Commons , with Sir Keir Starmer confirming Labour will “ accept it and vote for it ” .
The deal will come into effect on January 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But what does it mean for Britain ?
Express has rounded up four ways the deal will benefit Britain .
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : MPs and Lords to head back to London for EU trade bill

Brexit: Johnson announces UK has completed trade deal with EU
The UK and European Union have finally reached a historic agreement on post-Brexit trade, some four years after Britain first voted to end the nation’s relationship with the Brussels bloc. The new deal has been hailed as fair and balanced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while Boris Johnson said the agreement was good for the “whole of Europe”.
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Speaking from Number 10 Downing Street today, the Prime Minister said: "We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny. We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered.” Some 500 pages of the deal have yet to be published and the agreement is still to be ratified. ** GET THE EXPRESS DELIVERED FREE FOR SIX WEEKS ** But MPs are expected to vote on the agreement in Parliament on December 30, but it is expected to pass through the House of Commons, with Sir Keir Starmer confirming Labour will “accept it and vote for it”. The deal will come into effect on January 1 2021 after the transition period ends. But what does it mean for Britain? Express has rounded up four ways the deal will benefit Britain. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: MPs and Lords to head back to London for EU trade bill
Brexit deal benefits: Four ways Britain will thrive under Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal
Brexit deal benefits: Boris Johnson said: "We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny"
READ MORE Brexit deal announcement: Watch the HISTORIC moment UK deal is done 1) Zero tariffs and zero quotas to EU under the deal - first nation to ever do this with EU Mr Johnson today described the agreement, worth £660 billion as “the biggest trade deal yet”. He said it was a “comprehensive Canada style free trade deal between the UK and the EU” that would “protect jobs across this country” and “allow UK goods and components to be sold without tariffs and without quotas in the EU market.” He added it was a “deal which will if anything should allow our companies and our exporters to do even more business with our European friends, and yet which achieves something that the people of this country instinctively knew was doable but which they were told was impossible.” A foreword of the UK/EU treaty written by the Prime Minister, adds: “This ambitious agreement - carefully judged to benefit everyone - is the first the EU has ever reached allowing zero tariffs and zero quotas. “We will preserved the immense benefits of free trade for millions of people in the UK and across Europe.”
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Brexit deal benefits: Boris Johnson said the deal was “the biggest trade deal yet”
Brexit deal benefits: Boris Johnson celebrates securing a deal
2) National independence - Take back control of trade policy and waters Fishing was one of the biggest hurdles in securing a deal, but today an agreement was reached. The Prime Minister conceded that the UK gave ground on fisheries, but said that as a result of the deal Britain will be "an independent coastal state with full control of our waters" and would see its share of UK fish rising "substantially". The deal will allow the share of fish in British waters that the UK can catch to rise from around half now to two-thirds. Mr Johnson said the EU had originally wanted a transition period of 14 years, while the UK wanted three, so they settled on a five-and-a-half year transition. He added: “I think that was a reasonable transition period and I can assure great fish fanatics in this country that we will as a result of this deal be able to catch and eat quite prodigious quantities of extra fish." DON'T MISS
What does Brexit deal REALLY mean for you and me? [EXPLAINED]
Brexit deal: Freedom at last! But what has Boris actually agreed? [INSIGHT]
Nigel Farage hints at new campaign to bring down EU as he hails deal [WATCH]
Brexit deal benefits: Brexit timeline - what happens now?
READ MORE Brexiteer pinpoints FOUR massive flaws with Boris Johnson's EU deal 3) No more payments to EU - more money spent at home In 2018 the UK government paid £13 billion to the EU budget, reports show. Britain's contributions to the budget vary annually but have grown in recent years. Since the beginning of the Brexit debate, the notion of taking back control has been vital for the UK Government. And today, the Prime Minister secure a deal which would end millions of pounds in payments to the Brussels bloc. Mr Johnson’s foreword said: “We will take back control of our money by ending vast payments to the EU.”
Brexit deal benefits: Mr Johnson said Britain had taken back control