Brexit: Boris Johnson hails free trade deal with EU

The EU and UK have reached a post-Brexit trade deal, ending months of disagreements over fishing rights and future business rules.

At a Downing Street press conference, Boris Johnson said: “We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny.”

The prime minister added that although arguments had been “fierce” it was a “good deal for the whole of Europe”, driving jobs and prosperity.

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EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said it was a “fair and balanced” deal.

In a press conference in Brussels, the European Commission president 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”.

There will be a five-and-a-half year transition period for the fishing industry, she indicated.

And co-operation will continue on issues including climate change, energy, security and transport.

In a statement, Downing Street said: “We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters.”

Echoing Mr Johnson’s general election slogan, it added “we have got Brexit done”.

Mr Johnson tweeted a picture of himself smiling with both thumbs lifted in the air.

At his press conference, he said: “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.”