The Conversation (0)
Joanna Taylor
Dec 24, 2020
PAUL GROVER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Brexit feels like it’s been going on for an eternity. But four and a half years on from Britain voting to Leave the EU in 2016, it has finally been announced that a deal has been struck between Britain and the EU.
The road to a deal has not been without its hurdles. Today’s announcement comes after years of extensions and delays, and it looked extremely doubtful a deal would be struck even just a few days ago.
Although we don’t know the exact details of the deal yet, we know that it will see the UK leave the EU’s Single Market. We also know that fishing waters and competition rules were among the final issues to be resolved.
The news of a deal is likely to be a relief to businesses across the country. Now it will be voted on in parliament on 30 December, where it is expected to pass, before coming into effect on the following day if all goes to plan.
Prime minister Boris Johnson posted a jubilant photo on Twitter to mark the announcement. Addressing the nation, he hailed the deal as “historic” and said that it “takes back control” of Britain’s borders, laws and trade.
Politicians from across the political spectrum gave their thoughts on the news.
Before the spin starts, it’s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland’s will. And there is no de… https://t.co/fPj1kxZ4I7— Nicola Sturgeon (@Nicola Sturgeon) 1608821763
Very welcome news that the UK & EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal - one that provides confidence to… https://t.co/maZrKxNbUU— Theresa May (@Theresa May) 1608822963
It was worth fighting for this deal. We now have a fair & balanced agreement with the UK. It will protect our EU… https://t.co/2dGSc21Ld1— Ursula von der Leyen (@Ursula von der Leyen) 1608822033
However unhappy I might be about some of the detail, in 100 years time, kids in school will read that the people be… https://t.co/cD5AT4RUpw— Nigel Farage (@Nigel Farage) 1608820238
It's good to end a difficult year with some positive news. Trade deal is very welcome - and a vital step in buildin… https://t.co/qxGF6XMpFc— David Cameron (@David Cameron) 1608822821
Some commentators who are passionate believers in Brexit felt emotional.
Hallelujah. A Brexit deal is done. The whole country needed this good news and congrats to the negotiators who stuck at it.— Tim Montgomerie 🇬🇧 (@Tim Montgomerie 🇬🇧) 1608823328
Brexit? People will never vote for that. Leave the EU? Never actually happen. Deal with the EU? Impossible. Boris J… https://t.co/CW2NHnS4Yc— Tim Stanley (@Tim Stanley) 1608821449
.@BorisJohnson promised to Get Brexit Done. He has now done that with a deal much better than many thought possible… https://t.co/4r7Y9vz51u— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy Hunt) 1608823060
Time to get behind PM and back it. It’s been a long and difficult journey that's both polarised & distracted the n… https://t.co/KsOQZdyHMs— Tobias Ellwood MP (@Tobias Ellwood MP) 1608825440
And others who dislike Brexit felt quite sad and angry about the news.
The irony is that ratifying a 2,000-page trade agreement at this speed and with this little democratic scrutiny is… https://t.co/KNuf6yJNqr— George Eaton (@George Eaton) 1608804900
A Brexit deal stitched together at the eleventh hour the night before Christmas will come as a relief to many, but… https://t.co/3h4kHc7mI0— Caroline Lucas (@Caroline Lucas) 1608824395
After so long dealing with #Brexit I understand @MichelBarnier ‘s remark about feeling “relief tinged with sadness… https://t.co/GhuBBSKjq5— Michael Russell (@Michael Russell) 1608823428
@BorisJohnson We are a diminished nation. Brexit is bad for Britain— Dan Carter 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🇬🇧 (@Dan Carter 🇪🇺🏳️🌈🇬🇧) 1608822087
Brexit elicits such fervent reactions from both Leavers and Remainers that it’s unlikely the passion on both sides will die down any time soon.
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