Members of the European parliament (MEPs) have voted to ratify the Brexit trade and security deal,;nearly four months after Brexit came into effect.
The lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of formally approving the deal,;with 660 votes in favour, 5 against, and 32 abstentions.
The deal, which has already been ratified by the UK, came into force, in principle, on December 31, 2020. However, it was technically still open to debate and subject to changes.
After poll results were announced, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen averred that she “warmly welcomed” the decision.
“The TCA marks the foundation of a strong and close partnership with the UK. Faithful implementation is essential.”
President of the European Council, Charles Michel, echoing her words, added;that, “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.”
UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, also issued a statement declaring that, “it’s time to look forward to the future”.
“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”. FIRSTLY
UK would stand up for its interests
Lord Frost, UK’s minister for Brexit affairs, also lauded the MEPs decision and thanked his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier. He, however, warned that the UK would stand up for its interests in future talks.
“Today marks an important moment as the European parliament have voted in support of our trade and cooperation agreement with the EU. Last year, both sides worked tirelessly to agree a deal based on friendly cooperation and free trade between sovereign equals.
“Today’s vote brings certainty and allows us to focus on the future. 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.”
Frost’s warning comes amid accusations that the UK government has already breached commitments on Northern Ireland and fisheries in the trade deal, this year.
Before the vote, von der Leyen, assured MEPs that the 1,449-page trade deal came equipped with “real teeth” to ensure that both sides lived up to its obligations.
Christophe Hansen, an MEP from Luxembourg who worked on the wording of the resolution, also called the trade deal an “EU insurance policy”.
“Ratification of the agreement is not a vote of blind confidence in the UK government’s intention to implement our agreements in good faith.
“Rather, it is an EU insurance policy against further unilateral deviations from what was jointly agreed. Let’s now convene the parliamentary partnership assembly to continue building bridges across the Channel.”
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