The European parliament has given its overwhelming backing to the Brexit trade and security deal. Five MEPs voted against the deal, with 660 in favour and 32 abstentions, although in an accompanying resolution the chamber described the referendum result of 23 June 2016 as a ‘historic mistake’.
UK and EU senior figures hailed the vote as a ‘new chapter’ of friendly relations after four years of division. As the result was announced, Boris Johnson issued a statement saying: ‘This week is the final step in a long journey, providing stability to our new relationship with the EU as vital trading partners, close allies and sovereign equals.’