Tory MPs welcome the Brexit deal as Keir Starmer & # 39; s Labor wants to support it

Boris Johnson was backed up tonight by a preliminary greetings from Eurosceptics for his highly competitive Brexit deal – when Keir Starmer admitted Labor will back him.

The Prime Minister has set a crucial moment next Wednesday when he will try to enforce the legislation on which the historic agreement is based at all parliamentary phases.

The initial reaction from Tory MPs was positive. A high-ranking personality told MailOnline that they were satisfied with the details so far and that "maybe it will be a happier Christmas".

Nigel Farage has also signaled early support before the full 500-page text was released, suggesting that as an MP he would vote for the package "in principle".

In a move that effectively guarantees the prime minister's victory, Sir Keir has risked the ire of his banks by announcing that he will order his MPs to back the deal.

Strategists fear that renewed resistance to Brexit could destroy hope of winning back critical seats on the Red Wall in the next elections.

However, there are concerns that political "landmines" may lurk in the full text of the agreement.

The fishing industry has accused him of "sacrificing" them to EU demands, while concerns exist that Brussels could take advantage of a four-year "pause" clause to seek more favorable terms later.

And Nicola Sturgeon used the pact to promote her independence. Scotland wants to stay in the EU and must be given another chance to separate from the UK.

The Prime Minister tonight welcomed a Canadian-style free trade agreement that will prevent a chaotic split if the transition period ends on January 1st.

"We have regained control of our laws and our own destiny," he said at a press conference on Downing Street, swabbing Nicola Sturgeon and others who have called for an extension of the transition period during the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Johnson, wearing a fish-tied tie to highlight one of the most difficult problems, hoped the package would pave the way for "new stability and reassurance in a fragile relationship".

"I think we were told you didn't have your cake and couldn't eat it," he said. "I'm not going to say this is a cake deal … but I believe what the country needs at this point."

Defending concessions on fishing rights, he said the country will now have "astounding amounts" of extra fish – and hinted at subsidies for the industry to help boost catches.

He insisted that the government could now focus on its "No. 1 priority" in fighting Covid.

He wished the country a "Merry Christmas" and joked: "Now to the sprouts."

Ursula von der Leyen told her own briefing in Brussels that the terms were "balanced" but that the bloc had negotiated from a "position of strength" because no deal would have been worse for Great Britain.

& # 39; We finally reached an agreement. It's been a long and winding road, but we've got a lot to show, ”she said.

She said the EU had protected its single market and created "five and a half years of predictability for our fishing communities and strong incentives" so that access could continue afterwards.

Ms. von der Leyen said her overall feeling was more "relief" than "joy". "Farewell is so sweet sorrow," she added.

Referring to one of his mantras from the conversations, Mr Barnier said to reporters, "The clock has stopped ticking."

Confirmation has been repeatedly postponed in the past 24 hours as the "fish for fish" sides argued over the rules, with Ireland warning of a "problem" despite UK sources insisting there are "no major problems".

In a blessing to Mr Johnson tonight, Sir Keir Starmer announced that he would order his MPs to back the deal – he said he was "thin" but better than no deal. The move effectively guarantees that the measures are successful.

The passionate pro-European said it was "in the national interest" to support the deal despite concerns about the terms negotiated by the government.

Sir Keir said: “At a moment of such national importance, it is simply not believable that Labor is on the sidelines.

That is why I can say today that Labor will accept this deal and vote for it when it comes to Parliament.

"But let me be absolutely clear – and say straight to the government – against no deal, we accept this deal, but the consequences of it are yours."

Labor Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Whichever way you cut it, there is no doubt that this deal is not up to par for London, Britain and our economy. It doesn't come close to the benefits we enjoyed as EU members.

'However, this is the deal that is on the table now. While we have yet to see the details, we now have a direct choice between this agreement or a catastrophic no-deal Brexit. & # 39;

Mr. Khan later criticized an "expensive mountain of bureaucracy" to be imposed from January 1st.

However, the battle to sell the package to voters and Tory MPs is already in full swing as Mr Johnson rings for troubled Tory backers.

An internal government assessment insisted that the UK "won" 43 percent of the main problems of the £ 668 billion package, compared with 17 percent where the EU was ahead.

There will be duty-free access to the EU's single market without quotas – and Mr Johnson has retained the ability to deviate from Brussels standards without the European Court of Justice playing a role. Disputes are settled by an independent arbitration tribunal, similar to the structures already included in the withdrawal agreement.

After four years there is an exit clause in which both sides can remove the conditions if they do not believe that they are “working fairly”.

The document boasts that concessions have been made on rules of origin for goods, tariff tightening and "trusted trader" systems, while "isolating" the financial services sector. A deal will also avoid major disruptions in addition to the coronavirus crisis.

However, the UK appears to have established fishing rights and provided little assistance to the service sector.

For its part, France has boasted that Mr Johnson has made "huge concessions" on fishing in recent stages as the mutated coronavirus variant has highlighted the vulnerability of Britain's borders.

Tory Brexiteers vowed to put together a "star chamber" of experts to examine the documents over Christmas. MailOnline understands that Mr. Johnson was "very straightforward" and did not seek to make a "hard sell" when he called senior MPs.

One MP said that subject to the full text, the breakdown is "what we hoped for". "Maybe it will be a happier Christmas after all," they suggested.

Nigel Farage accused Mr Johnson of "dropping the ball" – but he also insisted that it was "progress" and that Brexit was "over". He said that by the time he saw the text "in principle" he would vote for the package if he were an MP.

There are fears that political "landmines" will inevitably be exposed in the text.

The FTSE 100 closed just six points as a deal was largely priced in as the pound held onto recent gains and rose again slightly against the US dollar to 1.3547.

Mr Johnson tried not to sound too triumphant when addressing the nation, but was also optimistic about what had been achieved.

"We have regained control of every point of our regulation in a way that is complete and unconditional," he said.

& # 39; From January 1st we are outside the customs union and outside the internal market.

"British law is made solely by the British Parliament, interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts, and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice is ended."

He added: "This agreement means certainty above all else – certainty for the aviation industry and freight forwarders, certainty for the police and border forces, security services and all those we rely on across Europe to protect ourselves all."

He added, “Most of all, it means security for business – from financial services to our world's leading manufacturers, our auto industry, security for everyone who works in highly skilled jobs in companies and factories across the country.

& # 39; There will be no customs palisade on January 1st, there will be no non-tariff trade barriers.

"Instead, there will be a huge free trade area that we can be a member of immediately and at the same time we can conclude our own free trade agreements as a UK."

Mr Johnson was asked about fishing rights – where the UK will reclaim 25 percent of the existing EU catch instead of the 80 percent originally requested.

"The EU started with the desire for a transition period of 14 years, we wanted three years, we have five years behind us," he said.

"I think this has been a reasonable transition period, and I can assure big fish fanatics in this country that through this deal we will be able to catch and eat amazing amounts of extra fish."

He continued, “For the first time since 1973 we will be an independent coastal state with complete control over our waters, with the UK's percentage of fish in our waters increasing significantly from about half today to nearly two-thirds in five and a – half a A year later, there are no more theoretical limits beyond the scientific or conservational limits of the amount of our own fish that we can fish in our waters. & # 39;

He continued, "These fishing communities are being helped with a large £ 100 million program to modernize their fleets and the fish processing industry."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the EU directly, saying Britain would be "your friend, your ally, your supporter" and "your number one market".

"And so I say once again directly to our EU friends and partners: I think this deal means a new stability and a new certainty in a sometimes troubled and difficult relationship," he said at a press conference on Downing Street.

“We will be your friend, your ally, your supporter and we will never let you forget it, your number one market.

“Because although we have left the EU, this country will remain culturally, emotionally, historically, strategically and geologically bound to Europe.

"Not least because of the four million EU citizens who have applied to settle in the UK over the past four years and who make an enormous contribution to our country and our lives."

When asked about security arrangements and future cooperation with the EU, the Prime Minister said he was "absolutely confident that this is an agreement that will protect our police cooperation, safeguard our ability to catch criminals and share information across the European continent . " as we have been doing for many years & # 39 ;.

A senior # 10 source said: “Everything that was promised to the UK public during the 2016 referendum and last year's general election will be delivered through this deal.

“We have regained control of our money, our borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters.

& # 39; The deal is fantastic news for families and businesses across the UK. We signed the first free trade agreement based on zero tariffs and zero quotas ever achieved with the EU. & # 39;

No. 10 said the terms meant Britain will not be in the "EU lunar attraction". "We are not bound by EU rules, there is no role for the European Court of Justice and all of our main red lines on the return of sovereignty have been reached," the source said.

"This means that we will have full political and economic independence on January 1, 2021."

A spokesperson added: “A formal review of the agreements can be made after four years.

“If the UK or the EU don't think the system is working fairly, either side can end the trade deal. Britain and the EU would then act on Australian terms. & # 39;

Business groups expressed relief at the breakthrough – which seemed impossible in some places.

Helen Dickinson, Managing Director of the UK Retail Consortium, said: “After years of campaigning for duty free trade, we welcome the announcement of a UK-EU Free Trade Agreement.

& # 39; This will protect consumers on both sides of the Canal from billions in import duties on everyday goods. Given that four-fifths of UK food imports come from the EU, today's announcement should allow households across the UK to take a collective sigh of relief. & # 39;

Tony Danker, Director General of the Confederation of British Industries said: & # 39; This will be a huge relief to the UK business at a time when resilience is at an all-time low. However, with we coming so late in the day, it is important that both sides take immediate action to keep trade and the flow of services going as businesses adjust. & # 39;

TUC Secretary General Frances O & # 39; Grady said the deal was "better than nothing, but not much".

"It will not protect jobs and jeopardize hard-won workers' rights," she said.

“If we get out of the pandemic, we will face a crisis for jobs and living standards. This deal is on the prime minister's head – it is his responsibility to ensure that working families are not worse off.

Now the Prime Minister must keep his promise to improve Britain. And he has to act quickly. There can be no more finger on the EU. & # 39;

Ms. Sturgeon joined in and said the news underscored the importance of Scotland as an "independent country".

"It is believed that in the midst of a pandemic and economic recession, Scotland has been pushed out of the EU's single market and customs union, with all the job damage that will result," she said.

& # 39; A deal is better than no deal. But just because the UK government decided in the eleventh hour to abandon the idea of ​​a no-deal outcome shouldn't detract from the fact that they have opted for a hard Brexit that is taking away so many of the benefits of EU membership. & # 39;

Welsh Labor First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “It is appalling that it has taken up to a week to leave the transition period to give the first indication of the terms on which we are trading with our main trading partner will. This will only add to the huge challenges facing our businesses. & # 39;

David Cameron, who called the EU referendum before losing and leaving as Prime Minister, said: "It is good to end a difficult year with some positive news."

Theresa May, also caught up in the Brexit dispute, said: “Very welcome news that the UK and the EU have reached an agreement on the terms of a deal – one that gives business confidence and helps keep trade going hold. I look forward to seeing the details in the coming days. & # 39;

There were positive early signs for Mr Johnson when Brexit Party leader Mr Farage said the deal was "not perfect" – but he would "in principle" support it.

"I worry that we are too closely aligned with the EU rules," he told Sky News, rejecting the idea that it was a Canadian-style agreement.

But he added, “If we do the big picture it might not be perfect, but it's a very, very big day and a big step forward.

When asked if he would vote for it as a Member, Mr Farage said the Commons should vote in principle now and look into the package later. "I'd have to see the detail and I wouldn't want to be thrown back," he said.

"In principle, given where we are now, this has been the most controversial issue in British politics … yes, in principle I would."

Frau von der Leyen quoted Shakespeare and TS Eliot when she adopted a gloomy tone at her press conference.

She used a line from Romeo and Juliet to express her mood and said, "Farewell is so sweet sorrow".

"I usually feel joy at the end of a successful negotiating journey," she said.

“But today all I feel is quiet satisfaction and, frankly, relief.

“I know this is a difficult day for some.

“I would like to say to our friends in Great Britain: Farewell is so sweet sorrow.

“But to use a line from TS Eliot: What we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning.

"So I say to all Europeans: It is time to leave Brexit behind, our future is made in Europe."

Hopes grew yesterday after it was claimed that the difference between Lord Frost and Mr. Barnier was due to a fish worth a Premier League footballer's transfer fee.

The finishing touches, however, required more input from the political leadership of Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen.

At the start of the propaganda war, an internal government document from the British government set out 65 key issues during the talks – and claims Lord Frost won 28 of them.

In contrast, the EU should be ahead in just eleven years.

The remaining 26 were classified as “mutual compromises” – including the critical area of ​​fishing rights.

In particular, the evaluation states that the package “fulfills all the objectives set in the voting leave”.

A senior Tory source told MailOnline that the document posted on the Guido Fawkes blog was authentic. However, it is believed that cabinet ministers have not yet been shown this.

However, some experts questioned the assessments, suggesting that many of the “gains” for the EU came from the vital service sector of the economy. As of January 1, there are no comprehensive provisions for financial services.

JPMorgan said it looked like the EU had signed an agreement that retains almost all of the benefits of trade with the UK but allows for the ability to use 'cherry picking' rules in sectors where the UK previously benefited – like for example services.

Lord Frost tweeted: “I am delighted and proud to have led a great UK team to achieve today's excellent deal with the EU.

& # 39; Both sides have worked tirelessly, day after day, under difficult conditions to achieve the world's largest and most comprehensive trade deal in record time. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

& # 39; Today's agreement offers more than just a zero-wage agreement. It covers areas such as services, aviation, road transport, social security, health, fisheries, and most importantly, law enforcement. And it enables us to participate in Horizon's scientific research program.

"It also fully restores the sovereignty of Great Britain. EU law is no longer applicable. The jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice ends; there is no alignment with EU rules.

& # 39; Our country starts a new journey on January 1st as a completely independent country. Our future and our prosperity are in our hands. I am confident that we will flourish and succeed. & # 39;

Irish Foreign Secretary Simon Coveney said there appeared to be "some sort of last-minute problem" in the talks – although he said he expected it to be overcome.

Mr Coveney told RTE Radio the delay related to a section of a fisheries agreement.

"I was hoping to speak to you this morning in parallel with the big announcements in London and Brussels, but we are awaiting them today," he said.

Brexiter expressed caution about the conditions even before the announcement.

Tory Eurosceptic ERG Group's Chairman Mark Francois and Vice-Chairman David Jones said: “Assuming that a UK-EU deal is officially confirmed tonight, the ERG will take the panel of legal experts tomorrow re-convened the Chair of Sir Bill Cash to review the details and legal text. & # 39;

Senior Tory MP Bernard Jenkin added: "In anticipation of an EU-UK deal, ERG MPs will want to wait until we have seen legal text and understand what it means if our opinion is to be credible."

Brexit party leader Nigel Farage did not wait for the terms to be published and accused the UK side of dropping the ball.

& # 39; It sounds like the UK team dropped the ball in front of the line. No wonder they want an announcement on Christmas Eve to hide the sale of the fishery, ”he tweeted.

However, a No. 10 adviser told Politico that the UK had gotten a good deal in fishing. "Before the end of the transition period, we will regain control of 130,000 tons a year, enough to reach the South Pole and back," they said.

"After that, we can fish and eat any damn fish in our waters."

Climate Minister Lord Goldsmith – a close ally of Mr Johnson and a strong Eurosceptic – warned that there is "a very large constituency of people who absolutely yearn to abandon the deal – regardless of their merits".

Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds warned that the expected deal would still have "significant negative effects" on GDP.

She said, “Signs that a deal is imminent mean that many companies are breathing a sigh of relief.

However, & # 39; early signs suggest this thin business will have a significant negative impact on GDP.

"With key industries facing significant barriers, these are not the 'exact same benefits' promised."

Last night, Mr Mamer posted a photo of pizza boxes on Twitter and said: “Pizza has arrived… Is it Frutti di mare? Or Bismarck? Or good old 4 stagione? Tension … & # 39;

The Treasury's OBR watchdog had warned that No Deal would do another two percent damage to the already ailing economy.

And the Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey suggested that the long-term damage to the economy would have been greater than that of Covid-19.

Mr Johnson admitted that the early stages of No Deal would be "difficult" – but insisted that the UK would "thrive mightily" whatever happened.

Barclays UK chairman Sir Ian Cheshire said a trade deal with the EU would bring clarity to the economy.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today program: “That was pure politics. It was always the last kind of rabbit out of the hat.

“And I am very happy that we seem to be able to continue… our most important trading relationship.

& # 39; And business can plan. I think that has been the overarching theme for companies for the past two years. You are occasionally accused of not being ready and the question is – ready for what?

"At least we now have clarity and can move on."

It is believed that Mr Johnson's decision to personally lead the negotiations over the weekend was instrumental in overcoming the impasse.

"He knew where his red lines were because he had them set – he was in total detail," a source told the Mail. "When it was all over, von der Leyen asked:" Do we have a deal? "He just replied" yes ".

A last-minute protest by French President Emmanuel Macron, which has long been seen as the main obstacle to an agreement on his fishing rights claims, is seen as the only remaining threat.

Facing elections in 2022, Mr Macron has been desperate to keep his powerful fishing industry informed.

His possible challenger in the polls, Marine Le Pen from the far-right National Rally, received a large number of votes in 2017.

Tensions between London and Paris increased over the weekend when the French government decided to close its borders for 48 hours after a new, more contagious strain of coronavirus emerged.

Tory MPs and Downing Street aides speculated that Mr Macron's decision was in part a means of punishing Britain for its decision to leave the European Union.

But sources close to the French President, a sworn Europhilian, angrily denied these proposals in talks with the Mail this week.

They said Mr. Johnson's own dramatic news had caused panic among European governments simply trying to stop the virus from spreading.

Diplomats in Brussels said Germany was most concerned that the UK would try to undercut and outperform European companies after Brexit.

The EU will shorten its own processes, with the Council of Member States granting “provisional” transposition before the deadline and not the European Parliament approving it in advance.

The EU heads of state and government must, however, unanimously approve the agreement.

And the shortened process has angered many MPs as they will be under massive pressure to stamp the deal once it is in place.

The agreement covers wide areas of the UK's relations with the EU, including trade, security and travel.

Despite hopes of confirmation last night, the EU and UK teams have buried themselves in for a long shift. The pizzas are delivered to the Berlaymont headquarters in Brussels.

Frau von der Leyen's spokesman, Eric Mamer, posted a picture of the snack on Twitter and joked about the "tension" over whether it was topped with seafood.

Ministers hope the news will improve morale in what is likely to be the toughest winters. The pound rose sharply yesterday as there was increasing speculation that a deal was near.

The breakthrough came when Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that a surge in Covid cases would likely place much of the country under severe restrictions for months.

In an emergency statement, he announced that another eight million people would be placed under Tier 4 restrictions on Boxing Day.

As a result, the entire south-east and a large part of eastern Anglia are virtually blocked.

Mr Hancock also expressed growing concern about a new "super strain" of the virus that has entered the UK from South Africa.

Government sources said the UK deal would allow UK fishermen to land roughly two-thirds of the fish in UK waters by the middle of the decade.

But a senior Tory predicted the deal with Eurosceptic MPs would "end up badly". The EU is expected to return only 25 percent of its share of quotas from UK waters, with cuts coming in incremental over more than five and a half years.

MEPs should be called back to parliament in time for the end of the transition on December 31st to vote on the agreement. The agreement came about after days of hectic negotiations.

Sources claim it almost derailed when the EU proposed measures that they believe had undermined Britain's ambition to become the world leader in electric cars.

"We took it to a place we are happy with," said a source. “It adheres to all principles that we have not compromised on. Yes, we have compromised on some areas, but we have not compromised on the basics of taking back control. & # 39;

Another senior Tory said the deal would provide "zero tariff, zero quota access to European markets" alongside security cooperation. "There won't be a European Court of Justice to mess us up," the source said.

However, the prime minister is prepared for allegations of treason by Eurosceptic Tories, some of whom have urged the prime minister to walk away rather than compromise.

The final push for an agreement revolved around a compromise on the sensitive issue of fishing in British waters. According to reports, the catch could be as high as £ 60 million.

To put that number into context, it's significantly less than the £ 89million midfielder Paul Pogba brought to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016. This is still the record transfer for a player who has reached the top division in England.

Fishing rights were the hardest part of the negotiations. Boris Johnson made it clear that Britain would be an independent coastal state responsible for access to its own waters. British fishermen could catch a far greater proportion of the fish available than their EU competitors.

Brussels had been calling for unrestricted access to British waters for a decade. Great Britain had offered a three-year transition period.

According to reports, the UK ended up reclaiming 25 percent of the EU's quota – with changes made incremental over more than five and a half years.

Downing Street insists that this will mean UK fleets catch two-thirds of the fish in domestic waters by 2026, but the compromise seems closer to where the EU starts.

Exports of meat, fish and dairy products to the EU can continue beyond January 1st after the UK is granted "nationally listed" status.

The measure means that live animals and products of animal origin can be supplied to the EU after Brussels confirmed that the UK meets health and biosecurity standards.

The EU has also agreed that many plants will be exported and plant products can continue to be exported to the bloc and Northern Ireland.

But seed potatoes – a major Scottish export item – are banned, leading Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to condemn the "disastrous" result.

British Veterinarian Christine Middlemiss said: "The status of a third country listed country shows our very high standards in terms of biosecurity and animal health, which we will maintain after the end of the transition period."

Companies in the £ 5 billion animal export market will face red tape to continue exporting, including the need for a health certificate.

While potatoes intended for European plates can still be exported, those used as seeds cannot be exported.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it will no longer be possible to export seed potatoes to the EU or Northern Ireland as of January 1, but officials were working with the European Commission on the matter.

Ms Sturgeon said it was a "disastrous Brexit outcome for Scottish farmers" and "like all other aspects of Brexit, forced upon Scotland against our will".

Ms. von der Leyen is said to have set up return channels to Chancellor Angela Merkel – the EU's power broker – and Mr Macron, which is crucial for the breakthrough.

Diplomatic sources indicated that Mr Barnier was not even informed of the content of secret talks between the Prime Minister and Ms von der Leyen on Monday evening – which suggests that he had become increasingly sidelined in the last few days of negotiations.

However, Mr Barnier has insisted that it is "normal" for senior politicians to take the final steps in such a negotiation.

Labor Chair of the Commons Brexit Committee, Hilary Benn, said he had "no doubt" that if one brokered before January 31, parliament will approve legislation on a deal.

The Remain-Backing MP told BBC Breakfast: “The alternative is no-deal and that is not to be considered at all because of the damage it would do to the economy.

"What any deal will do is make the business consequences of Brexit less bad than they otherwise would be."

"Remember, this is the first trade deal in history where either party knew it was going to make worse deals than it did."

He added: “I don't just think about the next week, but the next few months, as Brexit is actually happening. From January 1st there will be big changes anyway, whether there is an agreement or not and regardless of what is included in the agreement.

"In time we become aware of what we cannot do now because we took it for granted."

As the crisis approached, French European Minister Clement Beaune said a no-deal situation for Britain was "catastrophic" and suggested that the EU hold out.

“We Europeans shouldn't put pressure on ourselves to finish by this hour or on this day. Otherwise we would be able to make bad concessions. & # 39;

But Mrs von der Leyen is said to have relied on Mr Macron and the leaders of other coastal states to approve the agreement.

Mr Barnier told MPs at a press conference earlier this week that political leaders had to find a compromise on fisheries.

"We did not reach an agreement on fisheries despite the talks," he said. “There are issues that I can't solve – just a few that are very political and very sensitive – but I can't solve them at my level.

"At this stage it is normal that there are issues that President von der Leyen must deal with at their level with Boris Johnson."

The Prime Minister has admitted to allies that he has made significant compromises in the past few days, including on fisheries.

However, he warned not to go further without a movement from the EU.

Differences also had to be bridged across government subsidies, where the EU was pushing demands that British negotiators describe as "unbalanced".

Brussels wanted the right to punish the UK for using subsidies to allow UK firms to undercut EU rivals.

According to reports, the UK’s recent offer to fish would result in the EU sacrificing around 25 percent of its quota share in UK waters over a five-year period.

It is a huge compromise on Lord Frost's original request that the EU give 60 percent back within three years. But it is much more than Mr Barnier's offer to give back only 15 percent within ten years.

This would mean the UK has two-thirds of the fish in its waters and the quotas are expected to be negotiated annually rather than over a longer period of time as Brussels had wanted.

So what's in Boris & # 39; Brexit deal? Prime Minister gives Brussels the groundwork for UK fish but claims victory over competition rules and EU law, with the agreement to maintain partnerships in counter-terrorism and crime-fighting

It is the document the (political) world has been waiting for – and it is feared that it will be no less than 2,000 pages long.

This morning, EU negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart Lord Frost worked through the Brexit trade agreement line by line.

Talks in Brussels focused on the details of the fishing rights, but both sides have announced that a Christmas Eve deal will be announced that will end months of disputes just a week before the current trade deals expire.

Some feared it would never happen. But the world may soon finally see the deal – which will shape every aspect of Britain's future relationship with the EU.

The UK government’s analysis of the deal-in-wait suggests that it has “won” over 43 percent of the “key issues” in the talks. Another 40 percent are compromises for both sides, only 17 percent less than "EU wins".

Almost a year later, hundreds of officials worked around the clock to settle the terms. So what are the key areas – and what are we going to get into?

FISHING

Last night it seemed like the UK established this key sticking point in order to get a deal.

Fishing rights were the hardest part of the negotiations. Boris Johnson made it clear that Britain would be an independent coastal state responsible for access to its own waters. British fishermen could catch a far greater proportion of the fish available than their EU competitors.

Brussels had been calling for unrestricted access to British waters for a decade. Great Britain had offered a three-year transition period.

According to initial reports, we ultimately reduced 25 percent of the EU catch quota – with changes in more than five and a half years.

According to Downing Street, we will be catching two-thirds of the fish in our waters by 2026 – but there is no doubt that this compromise is closer to the EU's starting position than ours, at least in the short term.

The government document, which can be viewed on Guido Fawkes' website, insists that the situation is a mutual compromise – the UK justified the size of the quotas, the EU justified how long they have access.

Perhaps to save face, however, French sources suggested the situation was a win-win for the EU. A French government source said the UK negotiators had made "huge concessions" on fisheries.

However, it was still claimed that the pages were arguing "fish for fish" over the rules this morning, with Ireland warning of a "problem", despite UK sources insisting there were "no major problems".

LEVEL PLAY FIELD

Another point of contention was Brussels' fears that the UK could leave the bloc by lowering standards to make its businesses more competitive.

The EU also feared the UK could provide more financial aid to its own businesses.

As a result, it called for a level playing field to avoid a race to the bottom on issues such as labor rights and environmental regulations.

It also wanted the UK to continue to accept a number of EU rules.

The UK said it posed an "existential threat" to its sovereignty. The UK said it would settle for No Deal instead of sticking to EU rules after Brexit.

Ultimately, both parties seem to have agreed on a common regulatory basis on some issues that neither side will fall under.

However, the EU has also insisted that if one side raises standards and the other does not, it will be punished if non-compliance leads to unfair competition.

Instead, it is likely that both sides have agreed on an independent mechanism for solving problems if either side deviates too far from common standards. This would ultimately lead to retribution tariff decisions in the event of a dispute.

The government claims it "won" five of the eight key points in this part of the negotiations, including EU law, the UK's ability to set its own subsidy rates, competition and tax rules.

AT SIGHT

A related and sensitive issue is that of the European Court of Justice. British sources said the ECJ will have no say in the resolution of lines.

This had been an important request from Westminster in order to avoid the erosion of British sovereignty.

Brussels admitted it could not have the unilateral right to impose penalties on Britain – despite pressing hard for strong and independent arbitration.

The EU had hoped to punish the UK for "breaking rules" in one area by kicking back in another to collect tariffs or taxes in an unrelated sector in order to cause the greatest possible harm.

RATES

In the end, the UK and the EU appear to have agreed a zero tariff and zero quota regime – a significant victory for Mr Johnson. Trade with the EU accounts for 43 percent of UK exports and 51 percent of imports.

The prospect of no deal – and trading with Brussels on World Trade Organization terms as in Australia – sparked fears of massive additional costs for companies that would have been passed on to the public.

When the talks reached the sharp end, ministers accepted that No Deal would result in many supermarket staples costing more.

However, farmers warned that they would continue to bear non-tariff costs for exports.

Glyn Roberts, President of the Farmers' Union of Wales, welcomed the formal listing of the UK as a 'third country' by the EU – a step that is essential to enable Welsh food exports to the EU.

& # 39; However, our access to the EU market, which is the target for three quarters of Welsh food and beverage exports, will continue to face significant obstacles after December 31st. The cost of non-tariff trade barriers is expected to rise by 4 to 8 percent cents, ”he said.

Mr Roberts said the full text of an agreement needs to be examined in order to assess the full impact and benefits and there are a number of concerns, including the export of seed potatoes.

"Even so, Welsh agriculture, like others across the UK, will celebrate Christmas after sighing with relief that a deal seems close to being reached," he added.

POLITICS AND SECURITY

Sources say there has been some consensus on the key issue of security cooperation.

The UK wanted to keep the same access to shared databases as it does now – only the EU claimed it wasn't an option for non-members.

Ultimately, the UK appears to have been given better access than it would have received in a no deal Brexit.

The British government document states that the agreement "provides for a quick and effective exchange of criminal records data between Great Britain and EUMS via a common technical infrastructure (European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS))".

There will also be a "fast and effective exchange of national DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data".

The UK also appears to have better access to Europol than other non-EU countries due to its previous contribution to the criminal justice service. There is also a quick extradition agreement.

HOLIDAY AND HEALTHCARE

When the British strike a deal, it will be easier for them to travel to the continent than if the talks had failed.

It is also hoped that tourists will have access to hospital treatment when traveling abroad.

The UK has argued that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should still be valid after the December 31st Brexit transition period, which saves tourists the agony of having their own insurance.