Tough talks between Britain and the EU on post-Brexit trade have finally been finalized. After 10 months of extensive bargaining and bickering, the much-discussed trade agreement was unanimously announced today. It is effective by overcoming many obstacles. Britain's long 45-year relationship with the EU is coming to an end on January 31, as promised in the 2016 referendum. This agreement may change a lot of past relationships, but the friendship will last. A new chapter has begun as partners and allies.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Lane have spoken out today and yesterday. Everyone has been waiting for the moment of their final announcement since Thursday morning. Finally, at noon, the historic announcement came at 3 pm London time.
The news came seven days before the end of the contract period, ending in extreme frustration and uncertainty.
In a press briefing, Boris Johnson said the agreement was delivered to the public during the 2016 referendum and last year's general election. We have regained control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters. This deal is great news for families and businesses in every part of the UK. We have signed the first free trade agreement on the basis of zero tariff and zero quota. Boris Johnson added that the agreement would allow exporters to do more business with our European friends. "For the first time since 1973, we have secured an independent position with full control of our waters," he said.
In another press briefing, Mrs von der Lane said: "We have finally reached an agreement. It was a long and winding road. But with enough labor we have reached a fair and balanced equality for both sides.
Michel Bernier, EU co-ordinator on Brexit, paid tribute to all politicians, citizens and even journalists for their overall support in the talks.
I am very pleased and proud to have led the UK team to ensure today's great deal with the European Union," said Lord Frost, Britain's chief negotiator. Both sides have succeeded in challenging the achievement of the world's largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in record time.
The UK and EU negotiating team worked overnight to finalize the details of the agreement. They have tried to reach a compromise between Downing Street and the EU member states. Diplomats representing EU member states have already reached an initial agreement after analyzing nearly 2,000 pages of legal statements.
Hopefully, Brexit will bring us good news this Christmas," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Cowney said today. A source said the UK has a pretty good deal on fishing. Before the deadline expires, 130,000 tons of fish a year will regain control.
With the news that Brexit has dominated for almost four and a half years, the people of Britain are drawing a ‘finish line’ on social media today. According to them, the agreement, sealed a few hours before Christmas, will allow us to trade freely with the EU without tariffs or quotas, and will end almost four-and-a-half years of bitterness in Brexit.
Separation is also sometimes expected, Brexit being its example. Over the years, the Tulkalam scandal has erupted across Europe, including the UK. The then Prime Minister Theresa May was forced to resign after failing to implement the desired Brexit agreement. The rise of pro-Brexit leader Boris Johnson. Finally, on Friday, January 31, at 11 pm British time, the breakup took place. Both sides formally signed the Brexit Agreement.
Until this December, other existing relations, including trade, will be maintained as an interim measure. In addition to the agreement, a joint political declaration pledged to quickly build new relations on various issues, including trade and security. In the agreement, both sides agreed on complex issues such as protection of the rights of EU citizens residing in the UK and British citizens residing in EU countries, as well as the management of the Irish border.
The two top EU leaders, European Commission President Ursula von der Lane and European Council President Charles Michael, then signed the Brexit agreement. The much-discussed separation agreement was completed at the Europa building in Brussels. Earlier in the day, the European Parliament's Constitutional Committee approved the 600-page agreement. Michelle Bernier, a successful diplomat, led the EU in negotiating the agreement.
In the 2016 referendum, the British people voted to leave the EU. As a result, Britain officially separated from the European Union on January 31. According to the announcement, the separation took effect at eleven o'clock that night. However, the transitional period was till December 31. Now both sides have taken all possible measures to deal with the potential risks before Brexit takes effect.
Speaking to EU ambassadors on Tuesday, Michel Bernier, the bloc's chief negotiator, said the final decision depended on the political goodwill of both sides. Both sides have debated future EU access and quotas in British fishing waters. This is not a very big economic issue, but high political influence was the main issue for both parties.
Meanwhile, the response from the business community has welcomed it. Enam Ali MBE, founder of the British Curry Award, says the world is now a global village. As a result, such an agreement is essential to enjoy the benefits of global marketing. A situation without a contract is not desirable for anyone.
Bashir Ahmed, president of the British-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI), said the post-Brexit trade deal would play a role in protecting the rights of British and EU residents. Friendly relations between the two sides will continue even after Brexit.
Nazmul Islam Nuru, President of UK-Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry (UKBCCI), expressed satisfaction over the much-anticipated post-Brexit trade agreement. He expressed optimism that bilateral trade was open to Britain after Brexit. UKBCCI is ready to assist Bangladeshi businessmen in this regard.
Sir Ian Cheshire, chairman of Barclays UK, said a trade deal with the EU would bring trade transparency.
Due to lack of time, a vote in the European Parliament to ratify the trade and security agreement with Europe was no longer possible. MEPs say they need ample time for screening. MEPs may vote for them at the end of the month. Consider the need for translation and investigation of this agreement by 27 governments.