BREXIT: Boris Johnson cheers as the UK finally reaches a deal with the European Union

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson | Source: Twitter

The United Kingdom has secured a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, says Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In a statement delivered at No. 10 Downing Street moments ago, Johnson declared "We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters."

"We have completed the biggest deal yet worth £668bn a year.

"A comprehensive Canada-style deal between the UK and the EU. A deal that will protect jobs across this country, that will enable UK goods to be sold without tariffs, without quotas in the EU market." 

"A deal which will allow our companies to do even more business with our European friends."

He tweeted a picture of himself in ecstatic mood, with both hands lifted in the air and double thumbs up in celebration.

Recall that about four (4) years ago, the UK held a referendum during which citizens voted to leave the European Union. Subsequently, then-Prime Minister Theresa May made several botched attempts to secure a trade deal with the EU before the UK leaves.

This year, on January 31st, the Johnson administration led the UK out of the EU without a deal, a move which UK's Office for Budget Responsibility had warned would have shrunk national income by 2% and led to major job losses.

However, Johnson and his team continued negotiations with the EU, to try to secure a trade deal, an effort which has now come to fruition. 

In a separate press conference, the European Commission President, Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen said, "This 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 added that now was "time to turn the page and look to the future" and that the UK "remains a trusted partner".

The deal will need to be ratified by both the UK and EU Parliaments. Boris Johnson said he hoped the UK Parliament would be recalled before December 30 to vote in the deal. 

The full text of the free trade agreement is expected to be published in the coming days.

Source: British Broadcasting Corporation