International
UK, EU agree new BREXIT deal
A Brexit deal has been agreed between United Kingdom and European Union negotiating teams before a meeting of European leaders in Brussels.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “We’ve got a great new deal that takes back control.”
The two sides have been working on the legal text of a deal, but it will still need the approval of both the UK and European parliaments.
However, the DUP has cast doubt on its success, saying they still cannot support the process.
The BBC reports that the Northern Irish party earlier released a statement saying they could not back proposals “as things stand,” and – after the PM’s announcement – said their statement “still stands”.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the deal sounded “even worse” than what was negotiated by Mr. Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, and “should be rejected” by Members of Parliament.
But European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, said it was a “fair and balanced agreement.”
In a letter recommending the deal to European Council President, Donald Tusk, he wrote: “It is high time to complete the withdrawal process and move on, as swiftly as possible, to the negotiation on the European Union’s future partnership with the United Kingdom.”
Both he and Mr. Johnson have urged their respective parliaments to back the deal.
Read also: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam abandons speech at parliament after protest
The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, told a press conference in Brussels: “We have arrived at an agreement with the British government on an ordered withdrawal of the United Kingdom and the European Union and also on the framework for our future relationship.
He added that the text should provide “the legal certainty in every area where Brexit, like any separation, creates uncertainty and in particular, and first and foremost, for citizens.”
Mr. Johnson’s proposals for a new Brexit deal hinged on getting rid of thecontroversial backstop – the solution negotiated between Mrs. May and the EU to solve issues around the Irish border after the UK leaves.
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