Northern Ireland marked its centenary on Monday with coronavirus restrictions, simmering post-Brexit unrest and a leadership crisis marring the anniversary in the British-ruled province.

Northern Ireland,&nbsp;home to 1.9 million people,&nbsp;was created in 1921 as Ireland freed itself from British rule following a war for independence.

Commemoration events have been cancelled due to Covid-19 curbs and the weeks leading up to the anniversary have been marred by the worst rioting in the region for years.

Meanwhile First Minister Arlene Foster on Wednesday announced her resignation amidst a reported coup in her Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), where rancour is brewing over the consequences of Brexit.

Throughout its history Northern Ireland has been bitterly contested between pro-UK unionists and pro-Ireland nationalists, who do not recognise its legitimacy and therefore do not celebrate the anniversary.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson nevertheless said that Monday is a "very significant national anniversary", marking "the formation of the United Kingdom as we know it today".

He said it was important that "we pause to reflect on the complex history of the last 100 years".

It is "an important opportunity to come together to celebrate Northern Ireland", he added in a statement released on Twitter.

Recent unrest across the province emanated from the unionist community, where Johnson is held in low esteem for allowing a special post-Brexit "protocol" for Northern Ireland which many feel dislocates the region from its place in the UK.

At least 88 police officers were injured in a week of riots in April that spread to the nationalist community and saw riot police with water cannons deployed against youths throwing bricks and petrol bombs.

Anniversary troubles&nbsp;

Unionists fear the protocol would increase the likelihood of a united Ireland -- a prospect which has been an historic source of bloodshed in Northern Ireland.

A three-decade-long sectarian conflict known as "The Troubles" saw 3,500 killed over the question of Northern Ireland's destiny.

A 1998 peace deal largely ended fighting but a hangover of bitter division remains.

On Sunday Britain's Queen Elizabeth II said "the peace process is rightly credited to a generation of leaders who had the vision and courage to put reconciliation before division."

"Above all, the continued peace is a credit to its people, upon whose shoulders the future rests," she said in a statement.

The future of Northern Ireland within the UK is ever more uncertain as many feel the fallout of Brexit has altered its constitutional status.

The Brexit protocol effectively keeps Northern Ireland in the EU customs union and parts of the single market.

Some unionists say new checks at Northern Irish ports to enforce this amount to an "Irish sea border" which is paving the way for a united Ireland.

But a poll released over the weekend by the Sunday Life and Sunday Independent newspapers found 90 per cent of unionists predict a return to violence if the province is united with Ireland.

The protocol also dealt a heavy blow to Foster.

Foster and the DUP have been vehemently opposed to any special post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland, but have been powerless to prevent Johnson agreeing them with Brussels.

Foster will step down as DUP leader on May 28 and as first minister "at the end of June", she said in her departure statement.&nbsp;

A leadership contest to replace her is now underway.

Northern Ireland marked its centenary on Monday with coronavirus restrictions, simmering post-Brexit unrest and a leadership crisis marring the anniversary in the British-ruled province.

Northern Ireland marked its centenary on Monday with coronavirus restrictions, simmering post-Brexit unrest and a leadership crisis marring the anniversary in the British-ruled province. Northern Ireland, home to 1.9 million people, was created in 1921 as Ireland freed itself from British rule following a war for independence. Commemoration events have been cancelled due to Covid-19 curbs and the weeks leading up to the anniversary have been marred by the worst rioting in the region for years. Meanwhile First Minister Arlene Foster on Wednesday announced her resignation amidst a reported coup in her Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), where rancour is brewing over the consequences of Brexit. Throughout its history Northern Ireland has been bitterly contested between pro-UK unionists and pro-Ireland nationalists, who do not recognise its legitimacy and therefore do not celebrate the anniversary. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson nevertheless said that Monday is a "very significant national anniversary", marking "the formation of the United Kingdom as we know it today". He said it was important that "we pause to reflect on the complex history of the last 100 years". It is "an important opportunity to come together to celebrate Northern Ireland", he added in a statement released on Twitter. Recent unrest across the province emanated from the unionist community, where Johnson is held in low esteem for allowing a special post-Brexit "protocol" for Northern Ireland which many feel dislocates the region from its place in the UK. At least 88 police officers were injured in a week of riots in April that spread to the nationalist community and saw riot police with water cannons deployed against youths throwing bricks and petrol bombs. Anniversary troubles Unionists fear the protocol would increase the likelihood of a united Ireland -- a prospect which has been an historic source of bloodshed in Northern Ireland. A three-decade-long sectarian conflict known as "The Troubles" saw 3,500 killed over the question of Northern Ireland's destiny. A 1998 peace deal largely ended fighting but a hangover of bitter division remains. On Sunday Britain's Queen Elizabeth II said "the peace process is rightly credited to a generation of leaders who had the vision and courage to put reconciliation before division." "Above all, the continued peace is a credit to its people, upon whose shoulders the future rests," she said in a statement. The future of Northern Ireland within the UK is ever more uncertain as many feel the fallout of Brexit has altered its constitutional status. The Brexit protocol effectively keeps Northern Ireland in the EU customs union and parts of the single market. Some unionists say new checks at Northern Irish ports to enforce this amount to an "Irish sea border" which is paving the way for a united Ireland. But a poll released over the weekend by the Sunday Life and Sunday Independent newspapers found 90 per cent of unionists predict a return to violence if the province is united with Ireland. The protocol also dealt a heavy blow to Foster. Foster and the DUP have been vehemently opposed to any special post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland, but have been powerless to prevent Johnson agreeing them with Brussels. Foster will step down as DUP leader on May 28 and as first minister "at the end of June", she said in her departure statement. A leadership contest to replace her is now underway.

Northern Ireland marks centenary as crises simmer

The European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly ratified the EU's post-Brexit&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with Britain, but promised to keep a close eye on London with cross-channel hostility still high.

A big majority of MEPs approved the bare bones trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with the bloc's third-biggest trading partner that was sealed on Christmas Eve after nine months of tough negotiations.

The agreement provides the framework for London's new relationship with the 27-member union, five years after British voters shocked the world by voting to end its 47-year membership.

In the final tally, 660 MEPs voted in favour of the trade&nbsp;deal, five against with 32 abstentions, results released Wednesday showed.

"The European Parliament voted on the most far-reaching agreement the EU has ever reached with a third country," said the president of the assembly, David Sassoli.&nbsp;

"This can form the foundation on which we build a new forward-looking EU-UK relationship," he said, warning that MEPs would monitor the implementation of the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;and "not accept any backsliding from the UK government."&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the "final step in a long journey" that brought "stability to our new relationship with the EU as vital trading partners, close allies and sovereign equals."&nbsp;

"Now is the time to look forward to the future and to building a more Global Britain," he added.

'Real teeth'

The vote comes amid multiple feuds over the UK's implementation of&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;agreements and angry finger-pointing about the supply of the Covid-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca.

Deepening tensions further, France has&nbsp;threatened to block UK financial firms doing business in the EU if the London does not respect its commitments on fishing, a key part of the&nbsp;deal.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen "warmly welcomed" the approval, but in a final debate in parliament on Tuesday, assured MEPs that the agreement had "real teeth" and the legal means to keep the UK in check.

"Let me be very clear: We do not want to have to use these tools, but we will not hesitate to use them if necessary."

Britain's&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;minister David Frost said he "hugely" welcomed the vote to approve the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;he helped negotiate during months of fraught talks with EU counterpart Michel Barnier. &nbsp;

"Hope we can now begin a new chapter together as Europeans, characterised by friendly cooperation between sovereign&nbsp;equals," Frost wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Barnier thanked MEPs for the "big greenlight" and said both sides now had a "joint responsibility" to respect commitments.

Zero tariffs&nbsp;

The vote ends five years of a&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;saga in which Britain and Europe also sealed a divorce&nbsp;deal&nbsp;that bitterly divided the UK and saw the future of peace on the island of Ireland thrust into doubt.

A recent wave of rioting in the British province of Northern Ireland has been blamed on the fallout of&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;arrangements with talks underway in Brussels and London to find a long-term solutions.

Britain left the EU on January 30 2020, but its new life with Europe only really began after a transition period ended on December 31, when London was no longer bound by the bloc's laws and rules.

Officially called a trade and cooperation agreement (TCA), the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;has been provisionally applied since January 1 and provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas on goods traded between the EU and UK.

But it is less ambitious than many Europeans had hoped for, with nothing on foreign policy and defence nor any commitment to close alignment on environment, health and other regulations.

Britain pointedly refused deeper harmonisation with the EU, saying that UK must defend and embrace its newly found sovereignty.

Cross-Channel trade volumes have plummeted this year, with EU imports from the UK down by half in the first two months of the&nbsp;deal's application.

&nbsp;

The European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly ratified the EU's post-Brexit trade deal with Britain, but promised to keep a close eye on London with cross-channel hostility still high.

The European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly ratified the EU's post-Brexit trade deal with Britain, but promised to keep a close eye on London with cross-channel hostility still high. A big majority of MEPs approved the bare bones trade deal with the bloc's third-biggest trading partner that was sealed on Christmas Eve after nine months of tough negotiations. The agreement provides the framework for London's new relationship with the 27-member union, five years after British voters shocked the world by voting to end its 47-year membership. In the final tally, 660 MEPs voted in favour of the trade deal, five against with 32 abstentions, results released Wednesday showed. "The European Parliament voted on the most far-reaching agreement the EU has ever reached with a third country," said the president of the assembly, David Sassoli. "This can form the foundation on which we build a new forward-looking EU-UK relationship," he said, warning that MEPs would monitor the implementation of the deal and "not accept any backsliding from the UK government." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the "final step in a long journey" that brought "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," he added. 'Real teeth' The vote comes amid multiple feuds over the UK's implementation of Brexit agreements and angry finger-pointing about the supply of the Covid-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca. Deepening tensions further, France has threatened to block UK financial firms doing business in the EU if the London does not respect its commitments on fishing, a key part of the deal. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen "warmly welcomed" the approval, but in a final debate in parliament on Tuesday, assured MEPs that the agreement had "real teeth" and the legal means to keep the UK in check. "Let me be very clear: We do not want to have to use these tools, but we will not hesitate to use them if necessary." Britain's Brexit minister David Frost said he "hugely" welcomed the vote to approve the deal he helped negotiate during months of fraught talks with EU counterpart Michel Barnier. "Hope we can now begin a new chapter together as Europeans, characterised by friendly cooperation between sovereign equals," Frost wrote on Twitter. In a tweet, Barnier thanked MEPs for the "big greenlight" and said both sides now had a "joint responsibility" to respect commitments. Zero tariffs The vote ends five years of a Brexit saga in which Britain and Europe also sealed a divorce deal that bitterly divided the UK and saw the future of peace on the island of Ireland thrust into doubt. A recent wave of rioting in the British province of Northern Ireland has been blamed on the fallout of Brexit arrangements with talks underway in Brussels and London to find a long-term solutions. Britain left the EU on January 30 2020, but its new life with Europe only really began after a transition period ended on December 31, when London was no longer bound by the bloc's laws and rules. Officially called a trade and cooperation agreement (TCA), the deal has been provisionally applied since January 1 and provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas on goods traded between the EU and UK. But it is less ambitious than many Europeans had hoped for, with nothing on foreign policy and defence nor any commitment to close alignment on environment, health and other regulations. Britain pointedly refused deeper harmonisation with the EU, saying that UK must defend and embrace its newly found sovereignty. Cross-Channel trade volumes have plummeted this year, with EU imports from the UK down by half in the first two months of the deal's application.

European Parliament closes Brexit saga with trade deal vote

European Union lawmakers are set to formally ratify the post-Brexit deal between the EU and the United Kingdom amid ongoing tensions between London and Brussels over Northern Ireland trade rules.

The deal, which was finalised on Christmas Eve, already has been ratified by the UK Parliament and conditionally came into force pending the European Parliament's approval.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine">COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine</a>

Because of disagreement on how to apply trade rules in Northern Ireland, some EU legislators previously threatened to hold back the ratification vote, but a large majority of lawmakers are in favor of the deal.

Results of the vote are set to be announced on Wednesday, almost five years after U.K. Voters decided to withdraw from the bloc.

This deal is not good because Brexit is not good. The situation is also complicated because we cannot be sure how trustworthy the UK government really is," said Terry Reintke, the vice-president of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament.

Still, this agreement can be a starting point reconstructing what we lost due to Brexit."

Top European Union officials and their British counterparts have so far failed to find common ground on implementing the so-called Northern Ireland protocol, which were designed to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, and to guarantee the integrity of the bloc's single market.

In March, the U.K. Government unilaterally extended until October a grace period for not conducting checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the U.K., a decision that led the EU to start legal action against its former member nation.

In an address to EU lawmakers ahead of Tuesday's ratification vote, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she shared their concerns on ?unilateral actions taken by (the) United Kingdom" but noted some progress in the talks with British officials.

In recent days and weeks, we have seen a new constructive dynamic, and we will continue to work closely with the U.K. To find constructive solutions that respect what was agreed,&nbsp;she said.

Northern Ireland is part of the U.K. But remained part of the EU's single market for goods after Brexit to avoid customs checks at the territory's border with EU member Ireland. An open Irish border helped underpin the peace process that ended decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

But tensions and violence have escalated in recent weeks, with unionists saying the arrangement the British government and the EU worked out has amounted to the creation of a border between the territory and the rest of the U.K.

The sensitivity of Northern Ireland's status also was in September when the U.K. Parliament considered legislation that would have given Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government the power to override part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement relating to Northern Ireland.

The tension increased in January when the EU threatened to ban shipments of coronavirus vaccines to Northern Ireland as part of moves to shore up the bloc's supply. That would have drawn a hard border on the island of Ireland - exactly the scenario the Brexit deal was crafted to avoid.

Relations between the EU and the U.K. Have been strained since a Brexit transition period ended on Jan. 1.

The two sides have argued so far this year over issues ranging from COVID-19 vaccine supplies to the full diplomatic recognition of the EU in Britain.

European Union lawmakers are set to formally ratify the post-Brexit deal between the EU and the United Kingdom amid ongoing tensions between London and Brussels over Northern Ireland trade rules.

European Union lawmakers are set to formally ratify the post-Brexit deal between the EU and the United Kingdom amid ongoing tensions between London and Brussels over Northern Ireland trade rules. The deal, which was finalised on Christmas Eve, already has been ratified by the UK Parliament and conditionally came into force pending the European Parliament's approval. Also read: COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine Because of disagreement on how to apply trade rules in Northern Ireland, some EU legislators previously threatened to hold back the ratification vote, but a large majority of lawmakers are in favor of the deal. Results of the vote are set to be announced on Wednesday, almost five years after U.K. Voters decided to withdraw from the bloc. This deal is not good because Brexit is not good. The situation is also complicated because we cannot be sure how trustworthy the UK government really is," said Terry Reintke, the vice-president of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament. Still, this agreement can be a starting point reconstructing what we lost due to Brexit." Top European Union officials and their British counterparts have so far failed to find common ground on implementing the so-called Northern Ireland protocol, which were designed to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, and to guarantee the integrity of the bloc's single market. In March, the U.K. Government unilaterally extended until October a grace period for not conducting checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the U.K., a decision that led the EU to start legal action against its former member nation. In an address to EU lawmakers ahead of Tuesday's ratification vote, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she shared their concerns on ?unilateral actions taken by (the) United Kingdom" but noted some progress in the talks with British officials. In recent days and weeks, we have seen a new constructive dynamic, and we will continue to work closely with the U.K. To find constructive solutions that respect what was agreed, she said. Northern Ireland is part of the U.K. But remained part of the EU's single market for goods after Brexit to avoid customs checks at the territory's border with EU member Ireland. An open Irish border helped underpin the peace process that ended decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. But tensions and violence have escalated in recent weeks, with unionists saying the arrangement the British government and the EU worked out has amounted to the creation of a border between the territory and the rest of the U.K. The sensitivity of Northern Ireland's status also was in September when the U.K. Parliament considered legislation that would have given Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government the power to override part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement relating to Northern Ireland. The tension increased in January when the EU threatened to ban shipments of coronavirus vaccines to Northern Ireland as part of moves to shore up the bloc's supply. That would have drawn a hard border on the island of Ireland - exactly the scenario the Brexit deal was crafted to avoid. Relations between the EU and the U.K. Have been strained since a Brexit transition period ended on Jan. 1. The two sides have argued so far this year over issues ranging from COVID-19 vaccine supplies to the full diplomatic recognition of the EU in Britain.

European Parliament set to greenlight post-Brexit trade deal

British PM Boris Johnson will visit India on 26th April. This is Johnson's first international trip after Brexit. Why did he choose India? The UK wants to put its engagements with India & the Indo-Pacific first after Brexit. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why Boris Johnson is travelling to India

The demand for Welsh independence has witnessed a record surge, according to a new survey.

The&nbsp;Welsh independence campaigners can use the Brexit transition period as an outline for breaking away from the United Kingdom.

As per the latest poll, approximately 40 per cent of the Welsh people are in favour of parting from Britain due to the difference in social attitudes as a whole, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus response.

It comes after&nbsp;Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said,&nbsp;"For the first time since devolution, we are dealing with a UK government which is aggressively unilateral".

Almost a quarter of a century back,&nbsp;Wales had voted in favour of devolution&nbsp;or greater powers from the British government.

But now, the political movement for independence is gathering steam.

One of the groups that wants an independent Wales has seen a big spike in membership. In the last 12 months,&nbsp;it has grown from less than 4,000 members to nearly 18,000.

The growing support for independence&nbsp;is a warning for 10 Downing Street. The British government is already facing&nbsp;a demand for independence from Scotland.

Scotland's First Minister&nbsp;Nicola Sturgeon plans&nbsp;to push for a second referendum if re-elected in May.

With citizens reeling from the cost of Brexit, the pandemic seems to have supercharged the calls for independence.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticised for his pandemic response, and the devolution of lockdown policy to the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has emboldened their populations.

While&nbsp;those in favour of independence are still not in the majority, the support base both in Scotland and Wales&nbsp;is large enough to put the future of the British union at stake.

&nbsp;

The demand for Welsh independence has witnessed a record surge, according to a new survey. The Welsh independence campaigners can use the Brexit transition period as an outline for breaking away from the United Kingdom.

The demand for Welsh independence has witnessed a record surge, according to a new survey. The Welsh independence campaigners can use the Brexit transition period as an outline for breaking away from the United Kingdom. As per the latest poll, approximately 40 per cent of the Welsh people are in favour of parting from Britain due to the difference in social attitudes as a whole, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus response. It comes after Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said, "For the first time since devolution, we are dealing with a UK government which is aggressively unilateral". Almost a quarter of a century back, Wales had voted in favour of devolution or greater powers from the British government. But now, the political movement for independence is gathering steam. One of the groups that wants an independent Wales has seen a big spike in membership. In the last 12 months, it has grown from less than 4,000 members to nearly 18,000. The growing support for independence is a warning for 10 Downing Street. The British government is already facing a demand for independence from Scotland. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon plans to push for a second referendum if re-elected in May. With citizens reeling from the cost of Brexit, the pandemic seems to have supercharged the calls for independence. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticised for his pandemic response, and the devolution of lockdown policy to the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has emboldened their populations. While those in favour of independence are still not in the majority, the support base both in Scotland and Wales is large enough to put the future of the British union at stake.

After Brexit, demand for Welsh independence surges

Industry group Make UK said that three out of every four British manufacturers have experienced Brexit-linked delays during the past three months and the government must sort out problems that are still affecting ports.

World Business Watch: Three-quarters of UK manufacturers hit by Brexit delays

Britain has summoned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-asks-eu-to-shake-off-ill-will-over-post-brexit-trade-368653">European Union's</a> UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/britains-healthcare-workers-recount-covid-horror-368984/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has denied the accusation.

"I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Raab said, adding, "Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together."

Britain's foreign ministry said a representative of the EU's delegation has been summoned over the "false claim" to discuss the issue further.&nbsp;

The EU and Britain have been at loggerheads over vaccines ever since the UK officially exited the European body on January 1 as the EU partly blamed Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine makers for failing to fulfil their order due to production problems in its European factories.

European Council chief Charles Michel in a newsletter had written that "the United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory" leading to a controversy.

Michel said the European block will share jabs with the world and "will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes".&nbsp;

"We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others," Michel asserted amid the row with the UK.

The EU has been struggling with its vaccine rollout policy even as it aims to immunise 70 per cent of adults by mid-September.

Michel said he was "shocked when I hear the accusations of 'vaccine nationalism' against the EU" while adding that "the EU has never stopped exporting."

Britain has summoned the European Union's UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban.

Britain has summoned the European Union's UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban. Watch: UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has denied the accusation. "I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Raab said, adding, "Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together." Britain's foreign ministry said a representative of the EU's delegation has been summoned over the "false claim" to discuss the issue further. The EU and Britain have been at loggerheads over vaccines ever since the UK officially exited the European body on January 1 as the EU partly blamed Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine makers for failing to fulfil their order due to production problems in its European factories. European Council chief Charles Michel in a newsletter had written that "the United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory" leading to a controversy. Michel said the European block will share jabs with the world and "will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes". "We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others," Michel asserted amid the row with the UK. The EU has been struggling with its vaccine rollout policy even as it aims to immunise 70 per cent of adults by mid-September. Michel said he was "shocked when I hear the accusations of 'vaccine nationalism' against the EU" while adding that "the EU has never stopped exporting."

UK summons EU delegation representative over 'completely false' vaccine claim

In October of last year, the EU started legal proceedings against the U.K. after the government put forward a bill that would have overridden the same deal over Northern Ireland.

UK denies breaking EU treaty over Northern Ireland

Pro-UK paramilitaries say they are abandoning support for Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal because of a post-Brexit trading pact that has provoked crisis between London and Brussels.

In a letter Wednesday to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Loyalist Communities Council said it was "hereby withdrawing support for the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and its institutions until our rights under the agreement are restored".&nbsp;

The LCC represents three militant groups that were responsible for many deaths during 30 years of conflict between pro-UK unionists and pro-Irish republicans, before the peace was sealed in 1998.

The council emphasised that unionist opposition to the Brexit deal's Northern Ireland Protocol should remain "peaceful and democratic".&nbsp;

But its announcement offers more evidence that Northern Ireland's delicate balance of peace is being destabilised as a result of Brexit, with unionists furious over new border checks that they say are separating them by stealth from the rest of the UK.

The checks on goods at two ports in Northern Ireland were briefly suspended last month after graffiti appeared threatening staff, and senior police have said there is a "febrile" atmosphere in the province.

The protocol was agreed by London and Brussels to prevent a hard border emerging between Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland, a flashpoint in the decades-long sectarian conflict.

- Blame game -

The LCC said it would withhold support for the Good Friday Agreement until the protocol is amended to ensure "unfettered access for goods, services, and citizens throughout the United Kingdom".

"If you or the EU is not prepared to honour the entirety of the agreement then you will be responsible for the permanent destruction of the agreement," it told Johnson.

Tensions surrounding the trading arrangements deepened on Wednesday when Britain unilaterally announced it would extend a post-Brexit grace period, deferring checks on agri-foods entering Northern Ireland from Britain.

The EU said the UK action amounts to a breach of international law, and Irish broadcaster RTE reported the bloc is considering legal action.&nbsp;

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told RTE that the British move was "deeply unhelpful".&nbsp;

"If the UK simply cannot be trusted because they take unilateral action in an unexpected way without negotiation, well then the British government leaves the EU with no option," Coveney said.

Some supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland went bare in the first weeks of this year, after a post-Brexit transition period ended and Britain definitively left the EU single market on January 1.

The changes have caused widespread confusion among businesses, with some UK suppliers refusing to ship goods across the Irish Sea.

Pro-UK paramilitaries say they are abandoning support for Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal because of a post-Brexit trading pact that has provoked crisis between London and Brussels.

Pro-UK paramilitaries say they are abandoning support for Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal because of a post-Brexit trading pact that has provoked crisis between London and Brussels. In a letter Wednesday to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Loyalist Communities Council said it was "hereby withdrawing support for the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and its institutions until our rights under the agreement are restored". The LCC represents three militant groups that were responsible for many deaths during 30 years of conflict between pro-UK unionists and pro-Irish republicans, before the peace was sealed in 1998. The council emphasised that unionist opposition to the Brexit deal's Northern Ireland Protocol should remain "peaceful and democratic". But its announcement offers more evidence that Northern Ireland's delicate balance of peace is being destabilised as a result of Brexit, with unionists furious over new border checks that they say are separating them by stealth from the rest of the UK. The checks on goods at two ports in Northern Ireland were briefly suspended last month after graffiti appeared threatening staff, and senior police have said there is a "febrile" atmosphere in the province. The protocol was agreed by London and Brussels to prevent a hard border emerging between Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland, a flashpoint in the decades-long sectarian conflict. - Blame game - The LCC said it would withhold support for the Good Friday Agreement until the protocol is amended to ensure "unfettered access for goods, services, and citizens throughout the United Kingdom". "If you or the EU is not prepared to honour the entirety of the agreement then you will be responsible for the permanent destruction of the agreement," it told Johnson. Tensions surrounding the trading arrangements deepened on Wednesday when Britain unilaterally announced it would extend a post-Brexit grace period, deferring checks on agri-foods entering Northern Ireland from Britain. The EU said the UK action amounts to a breach of international law, and Irish broadcaster RTE reported the bloc is considering legal action. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told RTE that the British move was "deeply unhelpful". "If the UK simply cannot be trusted because they take unilateral action in an unexpected way without negotiation, well then the British government leaves the EU with no option," Coveney said. Some supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland went bare in the first weeks of this year, after a post-Brexit transition period ended and Britain definitively left the EU single market on January 1. The changes have caused widespread confusion among businesses, with some UK suppliers refusing to ship goods across the Irish Sea.

Pro-UK militants in N Ireland renounce peace deal after Brexit

British finance minister Rishi Sunak is set to present his government's budget as England continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and record jobs cuts in the past year in the post-Brexit era.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-fm-sunak-targets-covid-deficit-in-uk-budget-2021-367577/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sunak has said his top priority will be to "protect jobs" and "livelihoods of the British people" even as Britain has recorded the highest borrowing since World War-II with the pandemic taking a huge economic toll.

England which is still under various stages of lockdown has been the worst-hit country in Europe due to the virus with over 4.2 million coronavirus cases and more than 123,500 fatalities. England is set to gradually lift the lockdown from next week staring with reopening schools.

Britain has been under further strain after it&nbsp;dramatically left the European Union on January 1 with the government facing huge investment challenges. Sunak is expected to extend the furlough programme by five months until the end of September and support self-employed schemes&nbsp;

According to experts, Sunak is eyeing an increase in corporation tax rate. Sunak has said he will "modernise" Britain's listing rules to attract more high-growth and "blank cheque"&nbsp;as Britain's London Stock Exchange faces tough competition from NYSE and Nasdaq in New York and Euronext in Amsterdam in the post-Brexit era.

Sunak has promised to do "whatever it takes" to support the economy as Britain tries to emerge from the ravages of the&nbsp;pandemic and looks at the post-Brexit era with PM Johnson set to outline his government's agenda in the budget.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak is set to present his government's budget as England continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and record jobs cuts in the past year in the post-Brexit era.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak is set to present his government's budget as England continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and record jobs cuts in the past year in the post-Brexit era. Watch: Sunak has said his top priority will be to "protect jobs" and "livelihoods of the British people" even as Britain has recorded the highest borrowing since World War-II with the pandemic taking a huge economic toll. England which is still under various stages of lockdown has been the worst-hit country in Europe due to the virus with over 4.2 million coronavirus cases and more than 123,500 fatalities. England is set to gradually lift the lockdown from next week staring with reopening schools. Britain has been under further strain after it dramatically left the European Union on January 1 with the government facing huge investment challenges. Sunak is expected to extend the furlough programme by five months until the end of September and support self-employed schemes According to experts, Sunak is eyeing an increase in corporation tax rate. Sunak has said he will "modernise" Britain's listing rules to attract more high-growth and "blank cheque" as Britain's London Stock Exchange faces tough competition from NYSE and Nasdaq in New York and Euronext in Amsterdam in the post-Brexit era. Sunak has promised to do "whatever it takes" to support the economy as Britain tries to emerge from the ravages of the pandemic and looks at the post-Brexit era with PM Johnson set to outline his government's agenda in the budget.

UK finance minister Sunak's budget agenda: Protect jobs & ensure economic recovery post-pandemic

The dream of Life on Spain's Costa Del Sol has become a nightmare now for many British expats. They are adjusting to a post-Brexit reality.

'Spanish Dream' turns into nightmare as Britons faces post-Brexit reality

The agency said 78 "Brexit" companies moved to the Netherlands last year, the same number as in 2019 lifting the total since the 2016 Brexit referendum to 218.

More 'Brexit' companies shift to the Amsterdam

More broadly, cities will have to address new desires about connecting with nature and “reconnecting with life,” said Philipp Rode, executive director of LSE Cities, a research center at the London School of Economics.

A similar urban exodus has been seen in the United States during the pandemic, with affluent New Yorkers retreating to second homes and Silicon Valley techies scattering across the country. The phenomenon might be even more pronounced in the United States than in Europe.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-records-lowest-temperature-in-the-decade-as-snowstorm-hits-europe-362730/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Broadly speaking, place loyalty in Europe is significantly higher than in the U.S.,” Rode said, pointing to past studies showing that even among cities in economic decline, those in Europe suffered relatively less population loss. “A lot of these places have very deep histories, very deep culture.”

Nevertheless, many European cities are introducing features like pedestrian and cycle-friendly commuting options and expanded green spaces. Milan, hit hard by the first wave of the virus, has designated more than 20 miles of cycling lanes as well as “parklets” in former parking lots.

London officials began a “Streetspace” project last year, creating temporary bike lanes and widening pedestrian zones as commuters tried to avoid the dangers of crowded subways and buses. Paris and Barcelona have taken similar steps.

Changes like these, which typically would take years, are being made practically overnight, British engineering firm Arup found. (And the pace of London’s program has prompted legal battles.)

But Léan Doody, who leads the integrated cities and planning network for Europe for Arup, is optimistic about the changes. He said that although the pandemic had highlighted some of the deeper problems with urban life, it could actually prompt a push for improvement.

“There is an opportunity” as the pandemic fades from view, to “introduce new behaviors,” she said.

“Perhaps city authorities, transport authorities and employers could think about policies to make a vision of the future that actually works for everyone,” she said.

Quantifying precisely how many people have left Europe’s cities is difficult, because the pandemic has complicated data collection. But a study published earlier this month estimated that nearly 700,000 people left London in the last year, mostly foreign-born workers who may also have been reacting to Brexit.

However, London could be an outlier. A survey from Arup found that some 41% of Londoners had moved out of the city at some point in the pandemic, compared to around 10% in Madrid, Milan and Berlin and 20% in Paris. Real estate company Century 21 said over the summer that it had recorded a spike in interest in leaving Paris, but no “mass exodus.”

Property reports revealed tech workers left Dublin en masse last year as remote work became widespread.

Unaffordable housing was a pain point in many European cities even before the pandemic, which has both exposed and deepened inequality. But remote working is “loosening the link” between housing and employment, Doody said.

Property prices in Dublin have exploded in recent years after a housing-market collapse in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis; a steep drop in supply has met with overwhelming demand, worsened by a rise in short-term rentals.

Doody said plans by the Irish government to create a legal right for employees to request remote work could make strides toward easing the housing strains on Dublin while distributing high-earning workers elsewhere.

Brendan McLoughlin, 29, a business analyst for Ireland’s national postal service, is among many whose job will remain at least partially remote; he plans to relocate from shared accommodation in Dublin to his own house in a port town north of the city this summer.

“I think it’s forced this reevaluation of what matters in your setting and your home life,” he said.

There is a strong view among social scientists and economists that the pandemic has only accelerated changes already underway in cities, deepening a “doughnut effect” in which high prices drive residents to the outskirts and turbocharging a formerly meandering trend toward remote work.

But the more rapid shifts have focused the attention of urban authorities, who are increasingly addressing long-standing complaints about noise, air pollution, cramped apartments and stratospheric rents.

In Paris, which was losing residents even before the pandemic, Mayor Anne Hidalgo had already been advocating the idea of the “15-minute city” — a vision of a future for neighborhoods that would assure all necessary amenities existed a short walk from people’s front doors. She made strides to cut car traffic in the city center and promote more green space.

When the pandemic created a new urgency, Paris quickly turned the Rue de Rivoli, a main thoroughfare, into a multilane biking highway, cut traffic near schools to improve air quality and turned parking spaces into extended cafe seating. The city is now vowing to make some of its pandemic designs permanent.

But finding the political will for lasting change will be a challenge, Rode said, and would depend to a great extent on the level of public engagement and acceptance.

Malcolm Smith, an urban design fellow with Arup, argued in a recent report that the pandemic had already brought cities closer to the vision of the 15-minute city, and that there was now the potential to make less traffic, cleaner air and more time with family into more permanent features of urban life.

“It has shone a light on the importance of developing cities in smaller modules, with essential services concentrated around community hubs,” he wrote. “In the 19th century, the response to cholera in London brought big infrastructure, the sewer network. I hope COVID-19 will lead to lots of smaller scale but widespread interventions.” 
&nbsp;

More broadly, cities will have to address new desires about connecting with nature and “reconnecting with life,” said Philipp Rode, executive director of LSE Cities, a research center at the London School of Economics.

More broadly, cities will have to address new desires about connecting with nature and “reconnecting with life,” said Philipp Rode, executive director of LSE Cities, a research center at the London School of Economics. A similar urban exodus has been seen in the United States during the pandemic, with affluent New Yorkers retreating to second homes and Silicon Valley techies scattering across the country. The phenomenon might be even more pronounced in the United States than in Europe. Watch | “Broadly speaking, place loyalty in Europe is significantly higher than in the U.S.,” Rode said, pointing to past studies showing that even among cities in economic decline, those in Europe suffered relatively less population loss. “A lot of these places have very deep histories, very deep culture.” Nevertheless, many European cities are introducing features like pedestrian and cycle-friendly commuting options and expanded green spaces. Milan, hit hard by the first wave of the virus, has designated more than 20 miles of cycling lanes as well as “parklets” in former parking lots. London officials began a “Streetspace” project last year, creating temporary bike lanes and widening pedestrian zones as commuters tried to avoid the dangers of crowded subways and buses. Paris and Barcelona have taken similar steps. Changes like these, which typically would take years, are being made practically overnight, British engineering firm Arup found. (And the pace of London’s program has prompted legal battles.) But Léan Doody, who leads the integrated cities and planning network for Europe for Arup, is optimistic about the changes. He said that although the pandemic had highlighted some of the deeper problems with urban life, it could actually prompt a push for improvement. “There is an opportunity” as the pandemic fades from view, to “introduce new behaviors,” she said. “Perhaps city authorities, transport authorities and employers could think about policies to make a vision of the future that actually works for everyone,” she said. Quantifying precisely how many people have left Europe’s cities is difficult, because the pandemic has complicated data collection. But a study published earlier this month estimated that nearly 700,000 people left London in the last year, mostly foreign-born workers who may also have been reacting to Brexit. However, London could be an outlier. A survey from Arup found that some 41% of Londoners had moved out of the city at some point in the pandemic, compared to around 10% in Madrid, Milan and Berlin and 20% in Paris. Real estate company Century 21 said over the summer that it had recorded a spike in interest in leaving Paris, but no “mass exodus.” Property reports revealed tech workers left Dublin en masse last year as remote work became widespread. Unaffordable housing was a pain point in many European cities even before the pandemic, which has both exposed and deepened inequality. But remote working is “loosening the link” between housing and employment, Doody said. Property prices in Dublin have exploded in recent years after a housing-market collapse in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis; a steep drop in supply has met with overwhelming demand, worsened by a rise in short-term rentals. Doody said plans by the Irish government to create a legal right for employees to request remote work could make strides toward easing the housing strains on Dublin while distributing high-earning workers elsewhere. Brendan McLoughlin, 29, a business analyst for Ireland’s national postal service, is among many whose job will remain at least partially remote; he plans to relocate from shared accommodation in Dublin to his own house in a port town north of the city this summer. “I think it’s forced this reevaluation of what matters in your setting and your home life,” he said. There is a strong view among social scientists and economists that the pandemic has only accelerated changes already underway in cities, deepening a “doughnut effect” in which high prices drive residents to the outskirts and turbocharging a formerly meandering trend toward remote work. But the more rapid shifts have focused the attention of urban authorities, who are increasingly addressing long-standing complaints about noise, air pollution, cramped apartments and stratospheric rents. In Paris, which was losing residents even before the pandemic, Mayor Anne Hidalgo had already been advocating the idea of the “15-minute city” — a vision of a future for neighborhoods that would assure all necessary amenities existed a short walk from people’s front doors. She made strides to cut car traffic in the city center and promote more green space. When the pandemic created a new urgency, Paris quickly turned the Rue de Rivoli, a main thoroughfare, into a multilane biking highway, cut traffic near schools to improve air quality and turned parking spaces into extended cafe seating. The city is now vowing to make some of its pandemic designs permanent. But finding the political will for lasting change will be a challenge, Rode said, and would depend to a great extent on the level of public engagement and acceptance. Malcolm Smith, an urban design fellow with Arup, argued in a recent report that the pandemic had already brought cities closer to the vision of the 15-minute city, and that there was now the potential to make less traffic, cleaner air and more time with family into more permanent features of urban life. “It has shone a light on the importance of developing cities in smaller modules, with essential services concentrated around community hubs,” he wrote. “In the 19th century, the response to cholera in London brought big infrastructure, the sewer network. I hope COVID-19 will lead to lots of smaller scale but widespread interventions.”

The pandemic emptied Europe's cities. What will bring people back?

Companies in the UK that had directly been selling their produce to customers within the EU are not facing the brunt. Brexit has created many unforced hurdles for them and a British based cheese company is considering shifting a large chunk of its investments to France.

British companies facing hurdles post Brexit

Those companies that trade goods between Britain and the bloc are paying a price, particularly small firms.

New Brexit rules lead to added costs for UK firms

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Forster on Saturday urged Britain to remove a post-Brexit protocol with the European Union after it became the focus of a diplomatic row over Covid vaccines.

Brussels was forced to row back on threats it made late Friday to invoke Article 16 of the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol and stop the free-flow of vaccines over the Irish border.

"The protocol is unworkable, let’s be very clear about that, and we need to see it replaced because otherwise there is going to be real difficulties here in Northern Ireland," Foster told BBC radio.

The leader of the loyalist Democratic Unionist Party has long been critical of the protocol which allows Northern Ireland to follow EU customs rules and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.

"It’s absolutely disgraceful, and I have to say the Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) now needs to act very quickly to deal with the real trade flows that are being disrupted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland," she added.

A furious row over shortages of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by the British-Swedish drugs group AstraZeneca threatened to boil over on Friday just weeks after London and Brussels sealed a Brexit trade agreement.

However, the bloc backed down from invoking the article to monitor and in some cases block exports of vaccines produced in EU plants.

"The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement.

Johnson had told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have.

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, told The Times newspaper Brussels needed to step back from the escalating row over vaccines.&nbsp;

“We are&nbsp;facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere," he said.

"I believe that we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of one upmanship or unhealthy competition," Barnier added.

The EU has still has plans to go ahead with a broader vaccine export ban which could impact on supplies of the Pfizer-Biontech jab in Britian. &nbsp;

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Forster on Saturday urged Britain to remove a post-Brexit protocol with the European Union after it became the focus of a diplomatic row over Covid vaccines.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Forster on Saturday urged Britain to remove a post-Brexit protocol with the European Union after it became the focus of a diplomatic row over Covid vaccines. Brussels was forced to row back on threats it made late Friday to invoke Article 16 of the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol and stop the free-flow of vaccines over the Irish border. "The protocol is unworkable, let’s be very clear about that, and we need to see it replaced because otherwise there is going to be real difficulties here in Northern Ireland," Foster told BBC radio. The leader of the loyalist Democratic Unionist Party has long been critical of the protocol which allows Northern Ireland to follow EU customs rules and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. "It’s absolutely disgraceful, and I have to say the Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) now needs to act very quickly to deal with the real trade flows that are being disrupted between Great Britain and Northern Ireland," she added. A furious row over shortages of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by the British-Swedish drugs group AstraZeneca threatened to boil over on Friday just weeks after London and Brussels sealed a Brexit trade agreement. However, the bloc backed down from invoking the article to monitor and in some cases block exports of vaccines produced in EU plants. "The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement. Johnson had told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have. Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, told The Times newspaper Brussels needed to step back from the escalating row over vaccines. “We are facing an extraordinarily serious crisis, which is creating a lot of suffering, which is causing a lot of deaths in the UK, in France, in Germany, everywhere," he said. "I believe that we must face this crisis with responsibility, certainly not with the spirit of one upmanship or unhealthy competition," Barnier added. The EU has still has plans to go ahead with a broader vaccine export ban which could impact on supplies of the Pfizer-Biontech jab in Britian.

N Ireland chief minister calls for removal of Brexit protocol

At Tricker's, a 192-year-old maker of English luxury shoes, relief at averting a no-deal Brexit on January 1 quickly turned to shock at the scale of the new cost of doing business with the European Union.

UK shoemaker feels pinch from hidden cost of Brexit

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads to Scotland on Thursday in a bid to stem growing support for another independence referendum by arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the benefits of staying together.

The bonds that tie England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland together in a $3 trillion economy have been severely strained by both Brexit and Johnson's handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

Opinion surveys show that a majority of Scots would now back independence, though Johnson has repeatedly said that now is not the time for another referendum that could break apart the more than 314-year-old union between England and Scotland.

Ahead of his visit, which was criticised by Scottish nationalists, Johnson said that Scotland as a part of the United Kingdom gained access to a coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the shots are being administered by the shared armed forces, who are creating 80 new vaccine centres in Scotland.

"We have pulled together to defeat the virus," Johnson said. "Mutual cooperation across the UK throughout this pandemic is exactly what the people of Scotland expect and it is what I have been focussed on."

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticised Johnson’s trip, questioning whether his reasons for visiting are "really essential" and arguing it sets a bad example to the public.

Sturgeon, who runs Scotland's semi-autonomous government, is hoping a strong performance by her Scottish National Party in an election for the country's devolved parliament in May would give her the mandate to hold a second referendum.

If Scotland voted for independence it would mean the United Kingdom would lose about a third of its landmass and almost a tenth of its population - just as the world's sixth-biggest economy is grappling with the impact of Brexit.

Johnson, who would have to agree to a new referendum, has said there is no need for a new vote after independence was rejected by Scottish voters in 2014.

Scotland voted against independence by 55 per cent&nbsp;to 45&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in a 2014 referendum. But a majority of Scots also backed staying in the European Union in the subsequent 2016 Brexit vote, stoking demands by Scottish nationalists for a new independence vote after the UK as a whole voted to leave.

Scottish nationalist attempts to force a change to the United Kingdom's constitution are a massive distraction while the government battles COVID-19, British Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove said.

"At the moment, when we are prioritising the fight against the disease and also the need for economic recovery in due course, talking about changing the constitution and so on is just a massive distraction," Gove told Sky News.

Gove said that Johnson, who had made himself minister for the union, was the best frontman for the keeping the United Kingdom together.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads to Scotland on Thursday in a bid to stem growing support for another independence referendum by arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the benefits of staying together.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads to Scotland on Thursday in a bid to stem growing support for another independence referendum by arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the benefits of staying together. The bonds that tie England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland together in a $3 trillion economy have been severely strained by both Brexit and Johnson's handling of the coronavirus outbreak. Opinion surveys show that a majority of Scots would now back independence, though Johnson has repeatedly said that now is not the time for another referendum that could break apart the more than 314-year-old union between England and Scotland. Ahead of his visit, which was criticised by Scottish nationalists, Johnson said that Scotland as a part of the United Kingdom gained access to a coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the shots are being administered by the shared armed forces, who are creating 80 new vaccine centres in Scotland. "We have pulled together to defeat the virus," Johnson said. "Mutual cooperation across the UK throughout this pandemic is exactly what the people of Scotland expect and it is what I have been focussed on." Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticised Johnson’s trip, questioning whether his reasons for visiting are "really essential" and arguing it sets a bad example to the public. Sturgeon, who runs Scotland's semi-autonomous government, is hoping a strong performance by her Scottish National Party in an election for the country's devolved parliament in May would give her the mandate to hold a second referendum. If Scotland voted for independence it would mean the United Kingdom would lose about a third of its landmass and almost a tenth of its population - just as the world's sixth-biggest economy is grappling with the impact of Brexit. Johnson, who would have to agree to a new referendum, has said there is no need for a new vote after independence was rejected by Scottish voters in 2014. Scotland voted against independence by 55 per cent to 45 per cent in a 2014 referendum. But a majority of Scots also backed staying in the European Union in the subsequent 2016 Brexit vote, stoking demands by Scottish nationalists for a new independence vote after the UK as a whole voted to leave. Scottish nationalist attempts to force a change to the United Kingdom's constitution are a massive distraction while the government battles COVID-19, British Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove said. "At the moment, when we are prioritising the fight against the disease and also the need for economic recovery in due course, talking about changing the constitution and so on is just a massive distraction," Gove told Sky News. Gove said that Johnson, who had made himself minister for the union, was the best frontman for the keeping the United Kingdom together.

British PM Johnson heads to Scotland to argue against the breakup of UK

French fishermen and seafood factories are suspending orders from Britain. UK-EU supply chains have been upended post-Brexit. Fishmongers and the seafood factories are battling to save supplies.

Fishmongers suspend orders from Britain due to delay in arrival

Dutch custom officials have seized ham sandwiches from British drivers post-Brexit rules banning personal imports of meat and&nbsp;dairy products in the European Union.

Officers wearing high visibility jackets were captured confiscating ham sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil from drivers by Dutch media.

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Next time people tell you there's no new friction at the borders because of Brexit, you can show them this Dutch TV clip of drivers being stopped and having their lunches confiscated. <a href="https://t.co/B9eZfDWKFB">pic.twitter.com/B9eZfDWKFB</a>
— OwenAdamsYT (@OwenAdamsYT1) <a href="https://twitter.com/OwenAdamsYT1/status/1348256421331275776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In an announcement made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair, the transport representatives had&nbsp;been advised to impose a strict ban of ham and cheese sandwich and all other meat and dairy products from January 01.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brexit-uk-lorry-drivers-en-route-eu-face-ban-on-ham-and-cheese-sandwiches-351024">Ahead of Brexit, UK lorry drivers en route EU face ban on 'ham and cheese' sandwiches</a>

This ban came&nbsp;into effect from December 31 from 11 pm and&nbsp;disallowed the lorry drivers to carry these products, even if they are meant for travel snacking in the long drives. The same ban also applied&nbsp;to tourists travelling to the EU.

"Drivers travelling to the EU should be aware of additional restrictions to personal imports taking effect from 1 January 2021. If you are carrying prohibited items in your luggage, vehicle or person you will need to use, consume, or dispose of them at or before the border," the official guidelines read.

The guidelines used the example of 'hand cheese' sandwich in particular sending a furry of laughter across the country. "From 1 January 2021 you will not be able to bring POAO (products of an animal origin) such as those containing meat or dairy (eg a ham and cheese sandwich) into the EU," the officials stated.

As per the European Union, the ban is necessary as it prevents the spread of pathogens in meat and dairy products.

As per the official guidelines and the advice leaflets being handed over, if the drivers fail to declare possession of these sandwiches, or any other meat and dairy product, they&nbsp;could bear a fine or even criminal prosecution.

While the meat and dairy products were&nbsp;disallowed,&nbsp;meat extracts and meat concentrates are still&nbsp;allowed across the country borders, giving a sigh of relief to the Britishers.

The decision has not gained popular vote from the lorry drivers who claim this has been their staple diet for the last few years when travelling to the EU for long trips.

Dutch custom officials have seized ham sandwiches from British drivers post-Brexit rules banning personal imports of meat and dairy products in the European Union.

Dutch custom officials have seized ham sandwiches from British drivers post-Brexit rules banning personal imports of meat and dairy products in the European Union. Officers wearing high visibility jackets were captured confiscating ham sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil from drivers by Dutch media. Next time people tell you there's no new friction at the borders because of Brexit, you can show them this Dutch TV clip of drivers being stopped and having their lunches confiscated. pic.twitter.com/B9eZfDWKFB — OwenAdamsYT (@OwenAdamsYT1) January 10, 2021 × In an announcement made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair, the transport representatives had been advised to impose a strict ban of ham and cheese sandwich and all other meat and dairy products from January 01. Also read: Ahead of Brexit, UK lorry drivers en route EU face ban on 'ham and cheese' sandwiches This ban came into effect from December 31 from 11 pm and disallowed the lorry drivers to carry these products, even if they are meant for travel snacking in the long drives. The same ban also applied to tourists travelling to the EU. "Drivers travelling to the EU should be aware of additional restrictions to personal imports taking effect from 1 January 2021. If you are carrying prohibited items in your luggage, vehicle or person you will need to use, consume, or dispose of them at or before the border," the official guidelines read. The guidelines used the example of 'hand cheese' sandwich in particular sending a furry of laughter across the country. "From 1 January 2021 you will not be able to bring POAO (products of an animal origin) such as those containing meat or dairy (eg a ham and cheese sandwich) into the EU," the officials stated. As per the European Union, the ban is necessary as it prevents the spread of pathogens in meat and dairy products. As per the official guidelines and the advice leaflets being handed over, if the drivers fail to declare possession of these sandwiches, or any other meat and dairy product, they could bear a fine or even criminal prosecution. While the meat and dairy products were disallowed, meat extracts and meat concentrates are still allowed across the country borders, giving a sigh of relief to the Britishers. The decision has not gained popular vote from the lorry drivers who claim this has been their staple diet for the last few years when travelling to the EU for long trips.

Brexit: Dutch custom officials seize ham sandwiches from British drivers

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck. The trade has also been hampered due to COVID-19 restrictions.

At the heart of the Brexit deal, which came into force on January 1, is the so-called "rules of origin" condition applied to all goods crossing the border.

The rules of origin, a key aspect of all major trade deals, can rapidly turn into a costly headache for businesses.

Under the Brexit provision, any good will be subject to a customs levy if it arrives in Britain from abroad and is then exported back into the European Union.

For example, if a British firm imports something from China and export the goods to a member of EU common market, the company will have to pay customs duty.

Hence, the rules determine whether an export is British or not.

"It is clear that many UK businesses exporting to the EU are going to be hit by tariffs," said Michelle Dale, senior manager at the Manchester office of chartered accountants UHY Hacker Young.

"Businesses have also been completely blindsided by the 'rule of origin' part of the deal, which leaves them at a major competitive disadvantage when selling in the EU.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, not enough was done to prepare them for this. It takes years to build an effective supply chain -- and using non-EU suppliers is often the best option both in terms of cost and quality."

The Brexit agreement, which was sealed four and a half years after Britons voted to leave the European Union, grants zero customs duties if at least roughly 50 per cent of an exported product is made in the UK.

That applies to the majority of UK exports -- but certainly not all of them.

(With agency inputs)

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck.

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck. The trade has also been hampered due to COVID-19 restrictions. At the heart of the Brexit deal, which came into force on January 1, is the so-called "rules of origin" condition applied to all goods crossing the border. The rules of origin, a key aspect of all major trade deals, can rapidly turn into a costly headache for businesses. Under the Brexit provision, any good will be subject to a customs levy if it arrives in Britain from abroad and is then exported back into the European Union. For example, if a British firm imports something from China and export the goods to a member of EU common market, the company will have to pay customs duty. Hence, the rules determine whether an export is British or not. "It is clear that many UK businesses exporting to the EU are going to be hit by tariffs," said Michelle Dale, senior manager at the Manchester office of chartered accountants UHY Hacker Young. "Businesses have also been completely blindsided by the 'rule of origin' part of the deal, which leaves them at a major competitive disadvantage when selling in the EU. "Unfortunately, not enough was done to prepare them for this. It takes years to build an effective supply chain -- and using non-EU suppliers is often the best option both in terms of cost and quality." The Brexit agreement, which was sealed four and a half years after Britons voted to leave the European Union, grants zero customs duties if at least roughly 50 per cent of an exported product is made in the UK. That applies to the majority of UK exports -- but certainly not all of them. (With agency inputs)

Brexit deal 'rules of origin' create trade confusion 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll.

This is the first detailed survey of the public`s perception of Johnson`s handling of the recently concluded Brexit talks and the COVID-19 pandemic after he reversed plans to allow families to meet up at Christmas in parts of southern England to combat the spread of the virus.

More than 22,000 people were surveyed in a closely watched poll constituency-by-constituency poll over a four-week period in December, which was conducted by the research data company Focaldata and published by the Sunday Times.

The so-called multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) poll found the ruling Conservatives would lose 81 seats, wiping out the 80-seat majority. This would leave the Conservatives with 284 seats, while the opposition Labour Party would win 282 seats, the poll showed.

The Scottish National Party, which wants to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom, is predicted to win 57 of the 59 seats in Scotland, meaning the party could potentially play a kingmaker role in forming the next government.

The prime minister is at risk to lose his own seat of Uxbridge, west of London, the poll found.

Johnson won a resounding election victory last year that allowed him to take Britain out of the European Union`s orbit on New Year`s Eve after almost half a century of close ties.

But Johnson`s premiership may increasingly be defined by the government`s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has already killed more than 74,000 people and crushed the economy.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll. This is the first detailed survey of the public`s perception of Johnson`s handling of the recently concluded Brexit talks and the COVID-19 pandemic after he reversed plans to allow families to meet up at Christmas in parts of southern England to combat the spread of the virus. More than 22,000 people were surveyed in a closely watched poll constituency-by-constituency poll over a four-week period in December, which was conducted by the research data company Focaldata and published by the Sunday Times. The so-called multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) poll found the ruling Conservatives would lose 81 seats, wiping out the 80-seat majority. This would leave the Conservatives with 284 seats, while the opposition Labour Party would win 282 seats, the poll showed. The Scottish National Party, which wants to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom, is predicted to win 57 of the 59 seats in Scotland, meaning the party could potentially play a kingmaker role in forming the next government. The prime minister is at risk to lose his own seat of Uxbridge, west of London, the poll found. Johnson won a resounding election victory last year that allowed him to take Britain out of the European Union`s orbit on New Year`s Eve after almost half a century of close ties. But Johnson`s premiership may increasingly be defined by the government`s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has already killed more than 74,000 people and crushed the economy.

UK PM Johnson could lose his seat and majority at next election, poll says

The UK has abolished the widely unpopular “tampon tax” -- effectively eliminating sales taxes on women's sanitary products. The move was widely praised by women's rights campaigners.

Treasury chief Rishi Sunak had committed to ending the tax on tampons and pads in his budget statement in March. The change, however, could only come into effect on Friday after Britain had finally left the economic orbit of the EU.

Supporters of the country's departure from the European Union also appreciated the decision. They pointed to the abolition of the tampon tax as an early positive change arising from Brexit.

EU law had prevented member states from reducing the rate of value-added tax below 5%, meaning the period products were treated as luxury items and not essentials.

Britain's treasury has previously estimated that the move will save the average woman nearly 40 pounds ($55) over her lifetime.

Britain officially left the bloc’s vast single market for people, goods and services on Thursday.

The UK has abolished the widely unpopular “tampon tax” -- effectively eliminating sales taxes on women's sanitary products. The move was widely praised by women's rights campaigners.

The UK has abolished the widely unpopular “tampon tax” -- effectively eliminating sales taxes on women's sanitary products. The move was widely praised by women's rights campaigners. Treasury chief Rishi Sunak had committed to ending the tax on tampons and pads in his budget statement in March. The change, however, could only come into effect on Friday after Britain had finally left the economic orbit of the EU. Supporters of the country's departure from the European Union also appreciated the decision. They pointed to the abolition of the tampon tax as an early positive change arising from Brexit. EU law had prevented member states from reducing the rate of value-added tax below 5%, meaning the period products were treated as luxury items and not essentials. Britain's treasury has previously estimated that the move will save the average woman nearly 40 pounds ($55) over her lifetime. Britain officially left the bloc’s vast single market for people, goods and services on Thursday.

Post Brexit, UK abolishes ‘tampon tax’

The UK formally quit the European Union's single market and customs union at 2300 GMT on Thursday, turning its divorce from Brussels into reality after an 11-month Brexit transition.

"We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a New Year's message to the nation.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as an "amazing moment" for the country and played up his upbeat narrative of a "Global Britain" unshackled from rules set in Brussels. He vowed that post-Brexit Britain, despite being battered by a surge in coronavirus cases, would be an "open, generous, outward-looking, internationalist and free-trading" country.

Legally, Britain left the European Union on January 31 but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to secure a free-trade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve.

Now the transition is over, EU rules no longer apply. The immediate consequence is an end to the free movement of more than 500 million people between Britain and the 27 EU states.

Customs border checks return for the first time in decades, and despite the free-trade deal allowing Britain continued access to Europe's nearly 450 million consumers, queues and disruption from additional paperwork are expected.

Britain is the first member state to leave the EU, which was set up to forge unity after the horrors of World War II.

A parliamentary debate on Wednesday to ratify the trade deal was marked by farewells from pro-EU lawmakers, and warnings of disruption as Britain dismantles the intricate network of ties built since it joined the EU's forerunner in 1973.

British fishermen are, however, disgruntled at a compromise to allow continued access for EU boats in British waters.

(with inputs)

The UK formally quit the European Union's single market and customs union at 2300 GMT on Thursday, turning its divorce from Brussels into reality after an 11-month Brexit transition.

The UK formally quit the European Union's single market and customs union at 2300 GMT on Thursday, turning its divorce from Brussels into reality after an 11-month Brexit transition. "We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a New Year's message to the nation. Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as an "amazing moment" for the country and played up his upbeat narrative of a "Global Britain" unshackled from rules set in Brussels. He vowed that post-Brexit Britain, despite being battered by a surge in coronavirus cases, would be an "open, generous, outward-looking, internationalist and free-trading" country. Legally, Britain left the European Union on January 31 but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to secure a free-trade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve. Now the transition is over, EU rules no longer apply. The immediate consequence is an end to the free movement of more than 500 million people between Britain and the 27 EU states. Customs border checks return for the first time in decades, and despite the free-trade deal allowing Britain continued access to Europe's nearly 450 million consumers, queues and disruption from additional paperwork are expected. Britain is the first member state to leave the EU, which was set up to forge unity after the horrors of World War II. A parliamentary debate on Wednesday to ratify the trade deal was marked by farewells from pro-EU lawmakers, and warnings of disruption as Britain dismantles the intricate network of ties built since it joined the EU's forerunner in 1973. British fishermen are, however, disgruntled at a compromise to allow continued access for EU boats in British waters. (with inputs)

UK formally quits EU single market in New Year climax to Brexit

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone.&nbsp;

About 15,000 people, largely Spanish, pour into Gibraltar, a tiny British territory, for work every day, and around half of these people come from Spain.&nbsp;

Several tourists from Spain also visit Gibraltar on a daily basis because of its duty-free shopping.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-gibraltar-the-day-when-pakistan-infiltrated-deep-within-india-through-haji-pir-pass-323788">Operation Gibraltar: The day when Pakistan infiltrated deep within India through Haji Pir pass</a>

Because of its small size, all food in Gibraltar is imported. About 50,000 trucks cross the Gibraltar border each year via the only road that connects the territory to Spain.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-uk-discusses-border-policing-on-gibraltar-353337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If the deal between Spain and the UK has not been reached, it would have led to a "hard border" between Gibraltar and the European Union once the Brexit transition period ended.&nbsp;

"It's good news, it seems like the best way to keep everything moving," Oliver Gomez, a 34-year-old actuary, who walked along with his dog in Gibraltar was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The deal that was finalised at the eleventh hour meant that the small territory would be included in the Schengen passport-free zone that covers 26 European nations.&nbsp;

However, some people expressed concern about whether Spain will be able to manage the deal.&nbsp;

"We haven't always had the best track record with the Spanish. Let's see how it goes," said Jeff Saez, a 43-year-old hotel worker.&nbsp;

However, Mark Leavesley, a 34-year-old Gibraltar real estate agent, was hopeful that the territory would adapt well even if there was not a border deal.&nbsp;

"Gibraltar has proven to be resilient," said Leavesley.

A wave of relief was also felt in La Linea, a poor Spanish city just across the border from Gibraltar as it was dependant on the territory for years for business and jobs.&nbsp;

Nuria Hernanez, the owner of a hardware store in La Linea, says about 40 per cent of the customers arrive from Gibraltar.

"Without them there would be nothing here," said Hernanez.&nbsp;

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone.

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone. About 15,000 people, largely Spanish, pour into Gibraltar, a tiny British territory, for work every day, and around half of these people come from Spain. Several tourists from Spain also visit Gibraltar on a daily basis because of its duty-free shopping. Also read | Operation Gibraltar: The day when Pakistan infiltrated deep within India through Haji Pir pass Because of its small size, all food in Gibraltar is imported. About 50,000 trucks cross the Gibraltar border each year via the only road that connects the territory to Spain. Watch | If the deal between Spain and the UK has not been reached, it would have led to a "hard border" between Gibraltar and the European Union once the Brexit transition period ended. "It's good news, it seems like the best way to keep everything moving," Oliver Gomez, a 34-year-old actuary, who walked along with his dog in Gibraltar was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. The deal that was finalised at the eleventh hour meant that the small territory would be included in the Schengen passport-free zone that covers 26 European nations. However, some people expressed concern about whether Spain will be able to manage the deal. "We haven't always had the best track record with the Spanish. Let's see how it goes," said Jeff Saez, a 43-year-old hotel worker. However, Mark Leavesley, a 34-year-old Gibraltar real estate agent, was hopeful that the territory would adapt well even if there was not a border deal. "Gibraltar has proven to be resilient," said Leavesley. A wave of relief was also felt in La Linea, a poor Spanish city just across the border from Gibraltar as it was dependant on the territory for years for business and jobs. Nuria Hernanez, the owner of a hardware store in La Linea, says about 40 per cent of the customers arrive from Gibraltar. "Without them there would be nothing here," said Hernanez.

Big relief and some caution for Gibraltarians after UK-Spain deal

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Europe that Scotland would be back soon, just as the United Kingdom completed its transition period out of the bloc.

“Scotland will be back soon, Europe,” she said on Twitter at 2300 GMT. “Keep the light on.”

The UK formally quit the European Union's single market and customs union at 2300 GMT on Thursday, turning its divorce from Brussels into reality after an 11-month Brexit transition.

"We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a New Year's message to the nation.

He described it as an "amazing moment" for the country and played up his upbeat narrative of a "Global Britain" unshackled from rules set in Brussels. He vowed that post-Brexit Britain, despite being battered by a surge in coronavirus cases, would be an "open, generous, outward-looking, internationalist and free-trading" country.

To this end, Sturgeon hit out at the agreement reached on Christmas Eve, saying the deal showed it was time for Scotland to 'chart our own future as an independent, European nation'.

She said Britain's departure was happening against her will and accused Johnson of 'cultural vandalism' for ending the Erasmus programme, which allows students to study in Europe.

"Scotland did not vote for any of this and our position is clearer than ever," she said.&nbsp;

"Scotland now has the right to choose its own future as an independent country and once more regain the benefits of EU membership. It beggars belief that in the midst of a pandemic and economic recession, Scotland has been forced out of the EU single market and customs union with all the damage to jobs that will bring.

"A deal is better than No Deal. But, just because, at the 11th hour, the UK Government has decided to abandon the idea of a No Deal outcome, it should not distract from the fact that they have chosen a hard Brexit, stripping away so many of the benefits of EU membership.

"And while we do not yet have full details on the nature of the deal, it appears major promises made by the UK Government on fisheries have been broken and the extent of these broken promises will become apparent to all very soon."

She said people in Scotland had voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, "but their views have been ignored".

The historic post-Brexit deal with the EU on Christmas Eve came four years after 62 per cent of Scots backed remain in the 2016 referendum.

Sturgeon added: 'This is a far harder Brexit than could have been imagined when the EU referendum took place, damaging and disrupting this nation's economy and society at the worst possible time.

"We are doing everything we can to mitigate against the consequences of the UK Government's actions – but we cannot avert every negative outcome.

"We know that businesses are already struggling under the burden of Covid-19, and are now faced with the need to prepare for this hard Brexit in little more than a week's time.

"We will do all we can to help them and are issuing updated information and advice and urge those most affected, including businesses, to prepare.'&nbsp;

Writing on Twitter about the Erasmus programme, Sturgeon said: "There will be lots of focus, rightly, on the economic costs of Brexit. But ending UK participation in Erasmus, an initiative that has expanded opportunities and horizons for so many young people, is cultural vandalism by the UK Government."

Sturgeon's Scottish Nationalist Party plans to go into next year's Holyrood elections aiming for a fresh mandate from voters for a second independence referendum.

The first minister has previously said that if Scotland opted for independence she would try to re-join the EU.&nbsp;

However, questions remain about whether an independent Scotland would be allowed to become a member of the bloc.&nbsp;

It also remains to be seen if the Brexit deal will increase support for independence among Scots.

Legally, Britain left the European Union on January 31 but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to secure a free-trade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve.

Britain is the first member state to leave the EU, which was set up to forge unity after the horrors of World War II.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Europe that Scotland would be back soon, just as the United Kingdom completed its transition period out of the bloc.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Europe that Scotland would be back soon, just as the United Kingdom completed its transition period out of the bloc. “Scotland will be back soon, Europe,” she said on Twitter at 2300 GMT. “Keep the light on.” The UK formally quit the European Union's single market and customs union at 2300 GMT on Thursday, turning its divorce from Brussels into reality after an 11-month Brexit transition. "We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a New Year's message to the nation. He described it as an "amazing moment" for the country and played up his upbeat narrative of a "Global Britain" unshackled from rules set in Brussels. He vowed that post-Brexit Britain, despite being battered by a surge in coronavirus cases, would be an "open, generous, outward-looking, internationalist and free-trading" country. To this end, Sturgeon hit out at the agreement reached on Christmas Eve, saying the deal showed it was time for Scotland to 'chart our own future as an independent, European nation'. She said Britain's departure was happening against her will and accused Johnson of 'cultural vandalism' for ending the Erasmus programme, which allows students to study in Europe. "Scotland did not vote for any of this and our position is clearer than ever," she said. "Scotland now has the right to choose its own future as an independent country and once more regain the benefits of EU membership. It beggars belief that in the midst of a pandemic and economic recession, Scotland has been forced out of the EU single market and customs union with all the damage to jobs that will bring. "A deal is better than No Deal. But, just because, at the 11th hour, the UK Government has decided to abandon the idea of a No Deal outcome, it should not distract from the fact that they have chosen a hard Brexit, stripping away so many of the benefits of EU membership. "And while we do not yet have full details on the nature of the deal, it appears major promises made by the UK Government on fisheries have been broken and the extent of these broken promises will become apparent to all very soon." She said people in Scotland had voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, "but their views have been ignored". The historic post-Brexit deal with the EU on Christmas Eve came four years after 62 per cent of Scots backed remain in the 2016 referendum. Sturgeon added: 'This is a far harder Brexit than could have been imagined when the EU referendum took place, damaging and disrupting this nation's economy and society at the worst possible time. "We are doing everything we can to mitigate against the consequences of the UK Government's actions – but we cannot avert every negative outcome. "We know that businesses are already struggling under the burden of Covid-19, and are now faced with the need to prepare for this hard Brexit in little more than a week's time. "We will do all we can to help them and are issuing updated information and advice and urge those most affected, including businesses, to prepare.' Writing on Twitter about the Erasmus programme, Sturgeon said: "There will be lots of focus, rightly, on the economic costs of Brexit. But ending UK participation in Erasmus, an initiative that has expanded opportunities and horizons for so many young people, is cultural vandalism by the UK Government." Sturgeon's Scottish Nationalist Party plans to go into next year's Holyrood elections aiming for a fresh mandate from voters for a second independence referendum. The first minister has previously said that if Scotland opted for independence she would try to re-join the EU. However, questions remain about whether an independent Scotland would be allowed to become a member of the bloc. It also remains to be seen if the Brexit deal will increase support for independence among Scots. Legally, Britain left the European Union on January 31 but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to secure a free-trade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve. Britain is the first member state to leave the EU, which was set up to forge unity after the horrors of World War II.

'We will be back soon', Scotland's Sturgeon says as Britain exits EU's orbit

British lawmakers approved Prime Minister Boris Johnson's post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday, as both sides looked to begin a new chapter of relations just days before their divorce becomes a reality.

UK parliament approves Brexit trade deal with EU as both sides look to future

The EU and the UK signed a post-Brexit trade deal on Wednesday, sealing their drawn-out divorce in the closing hours before the UK definitively ends its half-century European experiment.

Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, the heads of the European Commission and European Council, put their names to the 1,246-page Trade and Cooperation Agreement in Brussels. "It has been a long road. It's time now to put Brexit behind us. Our future is made in Europe," von der Leyen said.

The leather-bound document was then flown by the Royal Air Force to London for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to add his signature, as the UK parliament held a rushed debate to ratify the deal in the dwindling time left.

Johnson gave a thumbs up after inking what he described as "the beginning of what will be a wonderful relationship between the UK and our friends and partners in the EU".

Introducing an 85-page&nbsp;bill to implement the pact, Johnson told the House of Commons that it heralded a new chapter for Britain and the EU as "sovereign equals, joined by friendship, commerce, history, interests and values".

The lower house voted overwhelmingly by 521-73 to back the deal, despite serious opposition misgivings, and the bill then passed the House of Lords late Wednesday in an unusually rapid one-day procedure.

London and Brussels would work "hand in glove whenever our values and interests coincide, while fulfilling the sovereign wish of the British people to live under their own sovereign laws made by their own sovereign parliament", Johnson added.

Michel echoed the sentiment in Brussels, vowing the two sides would work "shoulder to shoulder" on major issues, including climate change and future health pandemics.

Johnson's government only published the accompanying UK legislation on Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the debate began in parliament, underscoring the frantic dash to clear the decks in time.

The last-ditch deal averted the prospect of a cliff-edge separation which would have seen quotas and tariffs slapped on all cross-Channel trade, exacerbating strains in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Britain harder than most.

But British fishermen have accused the government of selling them out, while services -- accounting for 80 percent of the UK economy -- were largely omitted.

The City of London financial hub faces an anxious wait to learn on what basis it can continue dealing with Europe in the future.

Britain will leave the European single market and customs union at 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) on Thursday, the end of a post-Brexit transition period marked by tortuous trade negotiations which culminated in the Christmas Eve deal.

(with inputs from AFP)

The EU and the UK signed a post-Brexit trade deal on Wednesday, sealing their drawn-out divorce in the closing hours before the UK definitively ends its half-century European experiment.

The EU and the UK signed a post-Brexit trade deal on Wednesday, sealing their drawn-out divorce in the closing hours before the UK definitively ends its half-century European experiment. Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, the heads of the European Commission and European Council, put their names to the 1,246-page Trade and Cooperation Agreement in Brussels. "It has been a long road. It's time now to put Brexit behind us. Our future is made in Europe," von der Leyen said. The leather-bound document was then flown by the Royal Air Force to London for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to add his signature, as the UK parliament held a rushed debate to ratify the deal in the dwindling time left. Johnson gave a thumbs up after inking what he described as "the beginning of what will be a wonderful relationship between the UK and our friends and partners in the EU". Introducing an 85-page bill to implement the pact, Johnson told the House of Commons that it heralded a new chapter for Britain and the EU as "sovereign equals, joined by friendship, commerce, history, interests and values". The lower house voted overwhelmingly by 521-73 to back the deal, despite serious opposition misgivings, and the bill then passed the House of Lords late Wednesday in an unusually rapid one-day procedure. London and Brussels would work "hand in glove whenever our values and interests coincide, while fulfilling the sovereign wish of the British people to live under their own sovereign laws made by their own sovereign parliament", Johnson added. Michel echoed the sentiment in Brussels, vowing the two sides would work "shoulder to shoulder" on major issues, including climate change and future health pandemics. Johnson's government only published the accompanying UK legislation on Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the debate began in parliament, underscoring the frantic dash to clear the decks in time. The last-ditch deal averted the prospect of a cliff-edge separation which would have seen quotas and tariffs slapped on all cross-Channel trade, exacerbating strains in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Britain harder than most. But British fishermen have accused the government of selling them out, while services -- accounting for 80 percent of the UK economy -- were largely omitted. The City of London financial hub faces an anxious wait to learn on what basis it can continue dealing with Europe in the future. Britain will leave the European single market and customs union at 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) on Thursday, the end of a post-Brexit transition period marked by tortuous trade negotiations which culminated in the Christmas Eve deal. (with inputs from AFP)

UK ratifies Brexit deal as leaders sign new chapter

UK PM Boris Johnson's father Stanley confirmed on Thursday that he was seeking French citizenship just when free movement of Britons was coming to an end thanks to Brexit deal delivered by his own son. Speaking to France's RTL radio, he asserted that he was French.

It's not a question of becoming French. If I understand correctly I am French! My mother was born in France, her mother was completely French as was her grandfather.

"For me it's a question of obtaining what I already have and I am very happy about that," the 80-year-old added.

Boris Johnson's father was among the first civil servants appointed to Brussells after Britain joined the European Union in 1973. He initially campaigned against UK leaving the European Union but changed his mind after Britain voted to leave EU in 2016 vote.
<img alt="Boris Johnson father" data-caption="UK PM Boris Johnson's father Stanley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c92b3e4-86cb-4d94-bc06-6c6fac1d3dbc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1L9385.jpg" />
"I will always be European, that's for sure," he told RTL. &nbsp;

"You can't tell the English: you're not European. Europe is more than the single market, it's more than the European Union."

"That said, to have a link like that with the EU is important," he said, apparently referring to an EU passport.

His daughter Rachel had published a book in March and had already revealed his plans of seeking French citizenship.

She wrote that her grandmother was born in Versailles and said that if her father received French citizenship she too would like to become French.

(With AFP inputs)

UK PM Boris Johnson's father Stanley confirmed on Thursday that he was seeking French citizenship just when free movement of Britons was coming to an end thanks to Brexit deal delivered by his own son.

UK PM Boris Johnson's father Stanley confirmed on Thursday that he was seeking French citizenship just when free movement of Britons was coming to an end thanks to Brexit deal delivered by his own son. Speaking to France's RTL radio, he asserted that he was French. It's not a question of becoming French. If I understand correctly I am French! My mother was born in France, her mother was completely French as was her grandfather. "For me it's a question of obtaining what I already have and I am very happy about that," the 80-year-old added. Boris Johnson's father was among the first civil servants appointed to Brussells after Britain joined the European Union in 1973. He initially campaigned against UK leaving the European Union but changed his mind after Britain voted to leave EU in 2016 vote. "I will always be European, that's for sure," he told RTL. "You can't tell the English: you're not European. Europe is more than the single market, it's more than the European Union." "That said, to have a link like that with the EU is important," he said, apparently referring to an EU passport. His daughter Rachel had published a book in March and had already revealed his plans of seeking French citizenship. She wrote that her grandmother was born in Versailles and said that if her father received French citizenship she too would like to become French. (With AFP inputs)

'I am French', says UK PM Boris Johnson's father as he seeks France citizenship

LONDON — Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, British lawmakers voted to ratify the Brexit trade agreement with the European Union, drawing a symbolic end to a debate that has sundered the country for more than four years.

Minutes later, the health secretary, Matt Hancock, rose in Parliament to announce that the government would put three-quarters of the population of England into the strictest level of lockdown, as a new variant of the coronavirus rampages across the country. The government also delayed the reopening of secondary schools in January.

It was a dizzying day of contrasts in Britain on Wednesday — a country propelling itself into a post-Brexit future, even as it remained in the grip of a pandemic that has recently entered a frightening new phase, exulting in a newly authorized British-made vaccine while racing to vaccinate its people against the virus.

The 521-73 vote came after a rushed, single day of debate, just a day before the agreement is scheduled to come into force. No sooner had the House of Commons approved the deal and sent it to the House of Lords, which ratified it later in the day, than attention swung back to the increasingly desperate attempts to curb the virus. Even on the pandemic, however, the news was mixed.

Earlier Wednesday, British regulators approved a second vaccine, developed in labs at Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca, which officials said gave hope for an end to the plague of infections. Hancock hailed it as a prized example of British scientific achievement but warned that it would not spare the country several more difficult weeks before the doses become widely available.

“Today is a day of mixed emotions,” Hancock said, understating the head-spinning events that unfolded with every hour.

For Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the penultimate day of 2020 summed up a year of unending turbulence. It began in January with Britain’s formal departure from the EU — a moment of triumph for a leader who won a landslide election victory by promising to “Get Brexit done” — but quickly slid into crisis, as Johnson repeatedly reversed himself in dealing with the coronavirus after being hospitalized himself.

The decision to delay the reopening of most secondary schools and colleges in England for two weeks, until Jan. 18, represented yet another reversal, since the government had vowed to keep schools open regardless of what else it shut down. The education secretary, Gavin Williamson, said most primary schools would open on schedule on Jan. 4.

Public health experts generally backed the government’s action, although some said schools should be closed altogether or delayed for two weeks to reassess the trajectory of infections, which have soared since the emergence last month of a more rapidly transmissible variant of the virus.

“The numbers are too high now,” said Devi Sridhar, head of the global public health program at the University of Edinburgh.

Britain reported 50,023 new cases Wednesday, and 981 deaths, the highest number of fatalities since April. All told, the country has recorded 72,548 deaths from the virus, the highest number in Europe.

The government estimated that 60% of the new cases were from the variant, which has spread to other countries in Europe and was detected this week in Colorado. The sudden surge in cases has upended the government’s plan to keep schools open as it began a massive rollout of vaccines.

The new rules will greatly expand, starting Thursday, the areas of England under the highest tier level of restrictions, Tier 4, closing nonessential businesses, prohibiting mixing between households and telling people they should generally stay at home. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which set their own rules, have similar limits in place.

Speaking at an end-of-day news conference, Johnson balanced his enthusiasm about the new vaccine, which he has seized on as emblematic of an enterprising post-Brexit Britain, with a sober recognition that the country remained in deep crisis. He declined to rule out further changes in schools, which had been, until now, one of the only areas where the government had stuck to its guns for several months.

“My emotions, I suppose, are mixture of frustration, plus optimism, equals grim determination,” Johnson said.

It was a stark contrast from the confident prime minister who opened the debate on the trade deal in the morning by extolling it as a way to “take back control of our money, our borders, our laws and our waters.”

“We now seize this moment,” he said, “to forge a fantastic new relationship with our European neighbors based on free trade and friendly cooperation.”

Despite the lack of time for scrutiny, the ease with which the agreement passed through Parliament was a departure from the many knife-edge votes held before last year’s election, when the House of Commons was gridlocked over Brexit.

Conservative lawmakers, including a caucus of hard-line Brexit supporters, rallied behind Johnson. His success in defusing the Brexiteer fringe of his party was notable, given that rifts over the EU have vexed the party for decades and Britain made substantial concessions to Brussels in the talks.

William Cash, a Conservative lawmaker who has spent his career opposing European integration, described the deal as a “true turning point in our history” and said Johnson had “saved our democracy.”

Even the opposition Labour Party ordered its lawmakers to support the agreement on the basis that it was better than nothing, although more than 30 refused to vote for an agreement that creates new barriers to trade with European nations.

Critics note that Johnson’s deal secures little for Britain’s services sector and means added bureaucracy for British businesses exporting to continental Europe that will have to make millions of additional customs declarations.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May noted that lawmakers spent months rejecting every previous attempt to broker a trade deal with the European Union. On Wednesday, lawmakers approved a deal in a few hours that May said was not as good as the proposals drawn up last year by her government.

Still, Johnson achieved his political objective by increasing the country’s ability to exert its sovereignty and make decisions without being restricted by EU institutions like its Court of Justice.

Some have pointed to the swift approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as the Pfizer vaccine a few weeks ago, as a testament to that new freedom, though Britain gave those approvals while still bound by EU rules. Those rules permit all member states to approve vaccines before the bloc’s health regulator during a pandemic, but only Britain has done so.

Britain, analysts said, would have felt more pressure not to get ahead of the EU had it still been a member.

The trade agreement has no shortage of critics. Fishing workers have accused Johnson of capitulating to the EU over fishing rights. Business leaders worry about the bureaucratic burdens resulting from the deal, and that it does little for the services sector, which accounts for about four-fifths of the British economy.

Johnson, however, dismissed suggestions that the new arrangements would cause headaches for British companies.

“From the point of view of U.K. exporters, for instance, they’ll now have the advantage that they’ll only have one set of forms they have to fill out for export to around the whole world,” he said in an interview with the BBC, glossing over the fact that millions of new customs forms that were not required while Britain was part of the European trading bloc will have to be completed.

Opponents of Brexit, Johnson said, often warned that Britain could not diverge from the EU’s rules and still trade freely with the bloc — in other words, it could not have its cake and eat it, too.

“That has turned out not to be true,” the prime minister said. “I want you to see that this is a cakist treaty.”

LONDON — Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, British lawmakers voted to ratify the Brexit trade agreement with the European Union, drawing a symbolic end to a debate that has sundered the country for more than four years.

LONDON — Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, British lawmakers voted to ratify the Brexit trade agreement with the European Union, drawing a symbolic end to a debate that has sundered the country for more than four years. Minutes later, the health secretary, Matt Hancock, rose in Parliament to announce that the government would put three-quarters of the population of England into the strictest level of lockdown, as a new variant of the coronavirus rampages across the country. The government also delayed the reopening of secondary schools in January. It was a dizzying day of contrasts in Britain on Wednesday — a country propelling itself into a post-Brexit future, even as it remained in the grip of a pandemic that has recently entered a frightening new phase, exulting in a newly authorized British-made vaccine while racing to vaccinate its people against the virus. The 521-73 vote came after a rushed, single day of debate, just a day before the agreement is scheduled to come into force. No sooner had the House of Commons approved the deal and sent it to the House of Lords, which ratified it later in the day, than attention swung back to the increasingly desperate attempts to curb the virus. Even on the pandemic, however, the news was mixed. Earlier Wednesday, British regulators approved a second vaccine, developed in labs at Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca, which officials said gave hope for an end to the plague of infections. Hancock hailed it as a prized example of British scientific achievement but warned that it would not spare the country several more difficult weeks before the doses become widely available. “Today is a day of mixed emotions,” Hancock said, understating the head-spinning events that unfolded with every hour. For Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the penultimate day of 2020 summed up a year of unending turbulence. It began in January with Britain’s formal departure from the EU — a moment of triumph for a leader who won a landslide election victory by promising to “Get Brexit done” — but quickly slid into crisis, as Johnson repeatedly reversed himself in dealing with the coronavirus after being hospitalized himself. The decision to delay the reopening of most secondary schools and colleges in England for two weeks, until Jan. 18, represented yet another reversal, since the government had vowed to keep schools open regardless of what else it shut down. The education secretary, Gavin Williamson, said most primary schools would open on schedule on Jan. 4. Public health experts generally backed the government’s action, although some said schools should be closed altogether or delayed for two weeks to reassess the trajectory of infections, which have soared since the emergence last month of a more rapidly transmissible variant of the virus. “The numbers are too high now,” said Devi Sridhar, head of the global public health program at the University of Edinburgh. Britain reported 50,023 new cases Wednesday, and 981 deaths, the highest number of fatalities since April. All told, the country has recorded 72,548 deaths from the virus, the highest number in Europe. The government estimated that 60% of the new cases were from the variant, which has spread to other countries in Europe and was detected this week in Colorado. The sudden surge in cases has upended the government’s plan to keep schools open as it began a massive rollout of vaccines. The new rules will greatly expand, starting Thursday, the areas of England under the highest tier level of restrictions, Tier 4, closing nonessential businesses, prohibiting mixing between households and telling people they should generally stay at home. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which set their own rules, have similar limits in place. Speaking at an end-of-day news conference, Johnson balanced his enthusiasm about the new vaccine, which he has seized on as emblematic of an enterprising post-Brexit Britain, with a sober recognition that the country remained in deep crisis. He declined to rule out further changes in schools, which had been, until now, one of the only areas where the government had stuck to its guns for several months. “My emotions, I suppose, are mixture of frustration, plus optimism, equals grim determination,” Johnson said. It was a stark contrast from the confident prime minister who opened the debate on the trade deal in the morning by extolling it as a way to “take back control of our money, our borders, our laws and our waters.” “We now seize this moment,” he said, “to forge a fantastic new relationship with our European neighbors based on free trade and friendly cooperation.” Despite the lack of time for scrutiny, the ease with which the agreement passed through Parliament was a departure from the many knife-edge votes held before last year’s election, when the House of Commons was gridlocked over Brexit. Conservative lawmakers, including a caucus of hard-line Brexit supporters, rallied behind Johnson. His success in defusing the Brexiteer fringe of his party was notable, given that rifts over the EU have vexed the party for decades and Britain made substantial concessions to Brussels in the talks. William Cash, a Conservative lawmaker who has spent his career opposing European integration, described the deal as a “true turning point in our history” and said Johnson had “saved our democracy.” Even the opposition Labour Party ordered its lawmakers to support the agreement on the basis that it was better than nothing, although more than 30 refused to vote for an agreement that creates new barriers to trade with European nations. Critics note that Johnson’s deal secures little for Britain’s services sector and means added bureaucracy for British businesses exporting to continental Europe that will have to make millions of additional customs declarations. Former Prime Minister Theresa May noted that lawmakers spent months rejecting every previous attempt to broker a trade deal with the European Union. On Wednesday, lawmakers approved a deal in a few hours that May said was not as good as the proposals drawn up last year by her government. Still, Johnson achieved his political objective by increasing the country’s ability to exert its sovereignty and make decisions without being restricted by EU institutions like its Court of Justice. Some have pointed to the swift approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as the Pfizer vaccine a few weeks ago, as a testament to that new freedom, though Britain gave those approvals while still bound by EU rules. Those rules permit all member states to approve vaccines before the bloc’s health regulator during a pandemic, but only Britain has done so. Britain, analysts said, would have felt more pressure not to get ahead of the EU had it still been a member. The trade agreement has no shortage of critics. Fishing workers have accused Johnson of capitulating to the EU over fishing rights. Business leaders worry about the bureaucratic burdens resulting from the deal, and that it does little for the services sector, which accounts for about four-fifths of the British economy. Johnson, however, dismissed suggestions that the new arrangements would cause headaches for British companies. “From the point of view of U.K. exporters, for instance, they’ll now have the advantage that they’ll only have one set of forms they have to fill out for export to around the whole world,” he said in an interview with the BBC, glossing over the fact that millions of new customs forms that were not required while Britain was part of the European trading bloc will have to be completed. Opponents of Brexit, Johnson said, often warned that Britain could not diverge from the EU’s rules and still trade freely with the bloc — in other words, it could not have its cake and eat it, too. “That has turned out not to be true,” the prime minister said. “I want you to see that this is a cakist treaty.”

Brexit, lockdown and a vaccine: A head-spinning day of change in UK

British members of parliament overwhelmingly backed a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union in the&nbsp;House of Commons on Wednesday.

The vote on the legislation to enact the trade agreement was passed by 521 to 73 votes in parliament's lower house. It now passes to the upper house for approval later on Wednesday, before becoming law around midnight.

Introducing the legislation to ratify it, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told lawmakers it heralded "a new relationship between Britain and the EU as sovereign equals, joined by friendship, commerce, history, interests, and values.

"With this bill we are going to be a friendly neighbour, the best friend and ally the EU could have," Johnson&nbsp;said.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;EU leaders signed their post-Brexit trade deal with Britain and dispatched it to London on an RAF jet Wednesday, setting their seal on a drawn-out divorce just hours before the UK brings its half-century European experiment to an end.

The last-ditch deal averted the prospect of a cliff-edge separation which would have seen quotas and tariffs slapped on all cross-Channel trade, exacerbating strains in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Britain harder than most.

The agreement's impact will play out in the coming months, with UK businesses braced for customs red tape they have avoided for decades in cross-Channel trade.

Meanwhile from January 1, there will no longer be free movement of people from Britain to the EU or vice versa.&nbsp;

Under the compressed legislative calendar, the European Parliament will debate the Brexit deal after the New Year, but they are expected to eventually nod it through.&nbsp;

Pending that, EU member states gave their green light on Monday for the accord to take provisional effect before Thursday's deadline.

British members of parliament overwhelmingly backed a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The vote on the legislation to enact the trade agreement was passed by 521 to 73 votes in parliament's lower house.

British members of parliament overwhelmingly backed a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The vote on the legislation to enact the trade agreement was passed by 521 to 73 votes in parliament's lower house. It now passes to the upper house for approval later on Wednesday, before becoming law around midnight. Introducing the legislation to ratify it, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told lawmakers it heralded "a new relationship between Britain and the EU as sovereign equals, joined by friendship, commerce, history, interests, and values. "With this bill we are going to be a friendly neighbour, the best friend and ally the EU could have," Johnson said. Meanwhile, EU leaders signed their post-Brexit trade deal with Britain and dispatched it to London on an RAF jet Wednesday, setting their seal on a drawn-out divorce just hours before the UK brings its half-century European experiment to an end. The last-ditch deal averted the prospect of a cliff-edge separation which would have seen quotas and tariffs slapped on all cross-Channel trade, exacerbating strains in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Britain harder than most. The agreement's impact will play out in the coming months, with UK businesses braced for customs red tape they have avoided for decades in cross-Channel trade. Meanwhile from January 1, there will no longer be free movement of people from Britain to the EU or vice versa. Under the compressed legislative calendar, the European Parliament will debate the Brexit deal after the New Year, but they are expected to eventually nod it through. Pending that, EU member states gave their green light on Monday for the accord to take provisional effect before Thursday's deadline.

British MPs overwhelmingly back post-Brexit trade deal with European Union

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