Boris Johnson says Brexit deal is his Christmas gift to the nation
The prime minister has described his Brexit deal as ‘glad tidings of great joy’.
He added that it is a present ‘for anyone who may be looking for something to read in that sleepy post-Christmas lunch moment’.
In a festive video posted on Twitter, he said that people should give it a flick through as they recover from their dinner.
He described it as ‘a deal to give certainty to business, travellers, and all investors in our country from January 1. A deal with our friends and partners in the EU.
‘You remember the oven ready deal by which we came out on January 31, that oven ready deal was just the start – this is the feast, full of fish, by the way.
‘And 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.
‘So, that’s it, that’s the good news from Brussels, now for the sprouts, and a happy Christmas to you all.’
Before posting the video, Mr Johnson hailed the deal as a new beginning after securing the agreement before the UK’s final break with Brussels on New Year’s Eve.
But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded it a ‘thin’ deal – though he said his party would back it in a vote, which is expected to take place in the Commons next week.
Frantic last-minute negotiations led to expected announcements by the two sides being continually delayed throughout Christmas Eve.
As the political drama unfolded in London and Brussels after nine months of often bitter negotiations, Mr Johnson signalled the move amounted to a fresh start for the nation.
He also claimed the historic deal had resolved the European question that has ‘bedevilled’ British politics for generations.
In a Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson said the UK had managed to ‘take back control’ as promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
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.’
Mr Johnson appeared to win the support of a number of Eurosceptic Tories ahead of the Commons debate.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen struck a more sombre note, stating: ‘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.’
She quoted Shakespeare to say ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow’ and said that finding a deal gave her no joy, but she was relieved.
There will be a five-and-a-half year transition period for the fishing industry, she indicated.
And co-operation will continue on issues including climate change, energy, security and transport.
The Christmas Eve deal came just a week before the current trading arrangements expire, with the UK leaving the single market and customs union.
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