The new deal can be viewed in full here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/revised_withdrawal_agreement_including_protocol_on_ireland_and_nothern_ireland.pdf
Prime Minister Boris Johnson officially released the breaking news that he has secured a “great new deal” for the UK to leave the European Union.
Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, has also confirmed that a deal has been agreed. He has posted this on Twitter:
“Where there is a will, there is a #deal – we have one! It’s a fair and balanced agreement for the EU and the UK and it is testament to our commitment to find solutions. I recommend that #EUCO endorses this deal.”
Boris Johnson released on Twitter the following statement:
“We’ve got a great new deal that takes back control — now Parliament should get Brexit done on Saturday so we can move on to other priorities like the cost of living, the NHS, violent crime and our environment #GetBrexitDone #TakeBackControl”
Despite the supposed success of securing a deal, the DUP has continued to reject the deal. Here is the full text of the DUP statement issued this morning. It was sent out as a statement from Arlene Foster, the party leader, and Nigel Dodds, her deputy. They said:
If Boris Johnson cannot secure backing in Parliament, a no-deal situation still remains a likely option for the UK on 31 October.
Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce offers comment on the news that a new Brexit deal has been secured.
“The news that the Prime Minister has secured a Brexit deal with the European Union is a step forward in the process, nevertheless, it is vital that the Government puts in place clear and robust plans that will unlock our trading future and the talent pipeline for businesses. Notwithstanding the complex and uncertain political process likely to occur in the coming days, focus upon the practical implications for business and achieving a competitive trading environment for UK businesses should be the government’s focus in the period ahead.”
“FTA has been very consistent in wanting to Keep Britain Trading by making sure that the logistics Industry can deliver whatever political solution for Brexit prevails, with or without a deal. It is clear that there is not time now to prepare for a no-deal Brexit on October 31st: there are many unanswered questions about how our borders should work, and no time to implement the answers even if decisions could be reached on important policy issues. Therefore, at this stage, leaving with a deal and the accompanying transition period for answering important questions and being prepared for the changes, is far preferable to a no deal Brexit on October 31st.
James Hookham, Deputy CEO of FTA comments:
“While there is still a chance of a No Deal Brexit we urge Government to continue to respond to the critical questions and issues raised by FTA in our Logistics Dashboard. With big questions unanswered, and no time to prepare, The Logistics Industry is not ready for a no-deal Brexit on October 31st, and the impact on trade would likely be very significant. We will review the proposed deal carefully, and seek any clarifications and changes required by the Logistics Industry to deliver a successful Brexit.”
In other news the pound has just surged through $1.29 against the US dollar, hitting a new five-month high, which projects a positive spin onto the future of British economy.
