United Kingdom

A post-Brexit trade and security treaty with the European Union is within “touching distance”, Downing Street said on Wednesday night as Boris Johnson prepared to unveil his hard-fought Christmas Eve deal.

The prime minister is expected to announce the terms of the agreement following a final call with the European commission president Ursula von der Leyen – but the two sides battled deep into the night to gain a last-minute advantage.

A press conference planned for early on Wednesday night did not go ahead as the two sides had needed further time to nail down the details which will include unprecedented provisions for zero tariffs or quotas on all goods.

Johnson is expected to address the nation through a press conference early on Christmas Eve. Just after 11pm, the prime minister briefed the cabinet about the breakthrough, telling them he would need their help in selling the deal which he claimed respected the sovereignty of both sides.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/dec/23/eu-countries-prepare-for-possible-imminent-brexit-deal