The European Parliament has ratified the post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU.
The trade agreement has been in effect provisionally since January, following the end of the transition period at the end of 2020. The deal was only agreed between the UK and EU on 24 December 2020, meaning there was not enough time for MEPs to fully scrutinise it before the end of the transition period.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the passing of the deal through the European Parliament on Wednesday, while UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it is “time to look forward to a new relationship with the EU and a more Global Britain”.
MEPs voted in favour of the agreement by 660 votes to 5, while 32 members abstained.
The trade deal became law in the UK after being granted Royal Assent in the early hours of 31 December 2020.
The moment of the deal being passed comes after nearly four years of difficult negotiations being carried out over the UK’s exit from the EU, and while leaders have signalled happiness at the deal finally being signed off, there are still some who have expressed regret about the final terms of the deal.
More on this story: What are some of the key points of the UK-EU post-Brexit trade deal?
