UK and European Union agree Brexit trade deal

Boris Johnson said: “We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny.”

By Orlando Parfitt 28 Dec 2020

UK and European Union agree Brexit trade deal

The UK and the European Union have agreed a post-Brexit trade deal, bringing some relief to businesses on both sides of the channel. 

The deal, secured days before the UK was set to leave the EU on January 1, ensures tariff and quota-free trade in goods, and also sets out future security, travel and other arrangements.

The impact on the screen sectors will become clearer as details emerge, with key areas to watch out for including new rules around employment, visas, the movement of goods, and state aid.

More immediately, the deal should ensure less disruption on January 1 at the UK/EU border, which was feared in the event of no deal.

The BFI will be updating its website with information here.

MPs will return to Parliament on December 30 to vote on the deal.

As has been previously announced, the UK will leave the EU’s Creative Europe MEDIA programme next year. This has been replaced by the Global Screen Fund, which will be worth £7m in its pilot year (2021-22), well below the £17m mooted by the BFI as needed back in June during a DCMS select committee inquiry.

A Number 10 spokesperson said of today’s announcement: “The deal is done. Everything that the British public was promised during the 2016 referendum and in the general election last year is delivered by this deal.”

“We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters. The deal is fantastic news for families and businesses in every part of the UK. We have signed the first free trade agreement based on zero tariffs and zero quotas that has ever been achieved.”

European commission president Ursula Von der Leyen said: “It 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. At the end of a successful negotiation I normally feel joy. But today I only feel quiet satisfaction and, frankly speaking, relief.”

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