Boris Johnson’s post-Brexit trade deal has cleared its final hurdle after the European Parliament overwhelmingly voted to back it.
MEPs in Brussels gave their consent to the deal by 660 votes to five, with 32 abstentions.
I warmly welcome the @Europarl_EN vote in favour of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The TCA marks the foundation of a strong and close partnership with the UK. Faithful implementation is essential. pic.twitter.com/aTU7cOB5Ck
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 28, 2021
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the vote and said the Trade and Co-operation Agreement “marks the foundation of a strong and close partnership with the UK”.
But in an acknowledgement of EU concerns about the Prime Minister’s approach to deals with Brussels, she warned that “faithful implementation is essential”.
The UK and EU are at odds over the way the earlier Brexit divorce deal is being implemented in Northern Ireland.
There are a few remaining formalities which need to be completed before the deal struck by Mr Johnson and the EU on Christmas Eve last year is finally ratified.
The UK Prime Minister said: “This week is the final step in a long journey, providing stability to our new relationship with the EU as vital trading partners, close allies and sovereign equals.
“Now is the time to look forward to the future and to building a more global Britain.”
Hugely welcome the overwhelming vote by @Europarl_EN for our trade agreement with the EU.
Hope we can now begin a new chapter together as Europeans, characterised by friendly cooperation between sovereign equals.
Thank you @EU_Commission @michelbarnier for helping get us here.
— David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) April 28, 2021
Brexit Minister David Frost said the vote was an “important moment”.
“Today’s vote brings certainty and allows us to focus on the future,” Lord Frost said.
“There will be much for us and the EU to work on together through the new partnership council and we are committed to working to find solutions that work for both of us.
“We will always aim to act in that positive spirit but we will also always stand up for our interests when we must – as a sovereign country in full control of our own destiny.”
I warmly welcome the results of the vote by the @Europarl_EN on the ????Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
It marks a major step forward in #EU–#UK relations and opens a new era.
The #EU will continue to work constructively with the #UK as an important friend and partner.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) April 28, 2021
Meanwhile, European Council president Charles Michel said the approval of the deal “marks a major step forward” in UK-EU relations and “opens a new era”.
He said Brussels will work constructively with the UK as an “important friend and partner”.
