Brexit: Boris Johnson hails ‘last leg of long journey’ as European Parliament backs UK-EU trade deal | Political news

Boris Johnson hailed the “last leg of a long journey” after the European Parliament gave its approval to the post-Brexit trade deal.

With MEPs overwhelmingly backing the trade and cooperation agreement – which was concluded on Christmas Eve – the Prime Minister said “now is the time to look to the future”.

The European Parliament approved the agreement by 660 votes to 5, with 32 abstentions.

The result was announced on Wednesday morning after MEPs voted on Tuesday evening.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The agreement was provisionally in force since the end of the transition period on January 1.

Earlier this year, MPs declined to set a date for a vote following a row over UK action on post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland.

But with a deadline of late April to ratify the deal, MEPs have now made their decision.

There are still some formalities to be completed over the next few days to complete the EU ratification process.

Responding to the European Parliament’s vote, Mr Johnson tweeted: “This week is the last leg of a long journey, securing the stability of our new relationship with the EU as vital trading partners, close allies and sovereign equals.

“Now is the time to look to the future and build a more comprehensive Britain.”