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Post-Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement Signed by EU Officials
Posted On 30 Dec 2020
Photo source: European Parliament
A set of rules setting the terms of cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom was signed in Brussels on Wednesday paving the way for the continuation of smooth operations and strong ties after Brexit.
European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which takes effect on 1 January 2021, pending the consent of the European Parliament.
“It has been a long road. It’s time now to put Brexit behind us. Our future is made in Europe,” Von der Leyen said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel. Photo source: EC
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed the deal later in London on behalf of the UK.
Earlier he had urged MPs to back the deal saying it would enable the country to maintain the closest possible relations with its neighbors while taking control of its “national destiny”.
Johnson said the agreement would provide “certainty” for businesses and protect jobs after months of negotiations over the terms of Britain’s final departure.
British PM Boris Johnson signing the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. “By signing this deal, we fulfill the sovereign wish of the British people to live under their own laws, made by their own elected Parliament,” he said. Photo source: @BorisJohnson
Speaking in parliament, Johnson said “the purpose of this bill is to accomplish something that the British people always knew in their hearts could be done and yet which we were continually told was impossible – we were told we could not have our cake and eat it – namely that we could trade and cooperate with our EU neighbors on the closest possible terms as we will while retaining sovereign control of our laws and our national destiny”.
“We are going to open a new chapter in our national story, striking free trade deals around the world and reasserting global Britain as a liberal outward-looking force for good,” said Johnson.
Britain exits the EU at 11pm tomorrow, December 31.
Boris Johnson’s comment that Britain will reassert its global identity with free trade deals to be set up following the trade and cooperation agreement opens the way forward for both Great Britain and Europe with the rest of the World; in a positive, reassuring & efficient fashion. Protecting all people, their business cooperations and their future lives.
In my view it is essential that people realise that the future holds just as many potential opportunities as before and that collaboration will continue on all fronts between Britain and all the Countries on the Continent, in both directions equally.
Although we are not at the round table any more, our shield does remain on the wall beside it.
AcquaClaire 4 great communication & creation, & humour for humanity! Laughter is a universal language and is as essential in life as it is in business. Bravo Borris with Flying the Flag & Churchill Spirit & Warriors who fight for what is right!