The comments made by Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, on 24 December 2020.
There will be lots of focus – rightly – on the economic costs of Brexit. But ending UK participation in Erasmus – an initiative that has expanded opportunities and horizons for so many young people – is cultural vandalism by the UK government.
The comments made by Damian Hinds on 24 December 2020.
Much needed good news. Many hurdles have been overcome, and the UK requirements delivered on. Very welcome for our farmers as for so many other sectors. Congrats and commends to the PM and the negotiating teams.
The comments made by Theresa May, the former Prime Minister, on 24 December 2020.
Very welcome news that the UK and EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal – one that provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing. Looking forward to seeing the detail in the coming days.
The comments made by Brandon Lewis, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on 24 December 2020.
Boris Johnson has secured a historic deal with the EU that takes back control over our laws, borders, money, fish & trade, with a 0-tariff, 0-quota deal. 2021 can be a time for globally outward and forward looking UK.
The comments made by James Brokenshire on 24 December 2020.
Fantastic news that the Brexit deal is done. The biggest bilateral trade deal signed by either side based on zero tariffs and zero quotas. Plus a strong continuing partnership on security cooperation to help keep us all safe.
The comments made by Anna Soubry on 24 December 2020.
Never before has a country so spectacularly shot its self in the foot. We are no longer “Great” Britain or a United Kingdom. Leaving the European Union, the single market and customs union diminishes our country, will make us all a little poorer and narrow our horizons.
The comments made by David Cameron, the former Prime Minister, on 24 December 2020.
It’s good to end a difficult year with some positive news. Trade deal is very welcome – and a vital step in building a new relationship with the EU as friends, neighbours and partners. Many congratulations to the UK negotiating team.
The comments made by Guy Verhofstadt on 24 December 2020.
Finally a historic & unprecedented deal in the interest of all is reached. While less ambitious than we wanted, through binding arbitration it fully preserves the single market. Thanks to Michel Barnier our Union came out of these negotiations more united and stronger.
I hope future UK politicians will build on this partnership so we can regain the close relationship that the EU and the UK deserve. It will be a first step in the return of the UK into the European family.
The comments made by Nick Boles, the former Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford, on 24 December 2020.
All that ever mattered was that Brexit ends with a deal. The zealots were hellbent on No Deal. They will never get their way now. It was worth sacrificing a lot to stop them. The UK with stay half in and half out of the European system. Now can we talk about something else?
The comments made by Anneliese Dodds, the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 24 December 2020.
Indications a deal is imminent mean many businesses are breathing a sigh of relief. Yet early indications suggest this thin deal will have a major negative impact on GDP. With key industries subject to substantial barriers, these are not the promised ‘exact same benefits’.