[ad_1]
European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said that the trade deal reached with the UK was a relief and provided stability for individuals and businesses.
“We have achieved an orderly Brexit,” Barnier told France Info Radio. The last-gasp deal closed a week before the year-end deadline brought “a bit of stability,” he added.
Barnier said there are still some elements to be defined in the EU’s future relationship with the UK, including cooperation on foreign policy.
Latest Brexit Stories
Stormont assembly to be called to discuss Brexit deal
The Stormont Assembly will be convened to discuss the Brexit trade deal.
Prime Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill will write to Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey to request the measure.
It was agreed during a meeting of the Executive yesterday afternoon.
It is understood that the session will take place tomorrow.
The House of Commons will also meet tomorrow to discuss its reaction to the deal.
The transition period will end on Thursday, December 31.
The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement received a cautious welcome from Northern Ireland parties when it was announced on December 24.
Ms Foster then said details of both the trade deal and other issues, including security, will be discussed.
Ms. O’Neill also said her party wanted to examine the details of the deal.
Earlier yesterday, Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd indicated that his party would push for the MLA to be removed from Christmas break.
He said that with political institutions in other parts of the UK returning early to discuss the deal, it was important that the Stormont Assembly do so as well.
“We believe it is vitally important that the voices of workers, businesses and families in the area most affected by Brexit are heard,” he told the BBC.
A spokesman for the Executive said: “This afternoon a special Executive meeting was held to consider the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and the EU.
Ministers provided a high-level initial assessment of the agreement and officials will present a detailed analysis for the Executive’s consideration.
“The Executive agreed that the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister should write to the Speaker to request that the Assembly be convened for a Debate to Take Note on the Agreement that has been reached.”
[ad_2]