Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch County, has welcomed the Brexit deal the Prime Minister agreed on Friday (8 December) with the European Union.
The deal reached now means talks can move on to trade and security, and discussions can begin on building a positive and ambitious future relationship between the UK and the EU.
The Brexit deal agreement secures the rights of the three million EU citizens living here and the million British citizens living in the EU, maintains the Common Travel Area with Ireland, which has operated since the 1920s, and sets out both sides’ determination to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The agreement also settles the financial terms of the UK’s exit from the EU.
Local businesses and businesses nationally have welcomed the progress made by Theresa May. This includes the CBI who have said today’s announcement will lift spirits in the run-up to Christmas.
In welcoming the Brexit deal, Rachel said: “I’m absolutely delighted the UK and the EU have reached an agreement on the first stage of Brexit talks.
“This will be welcome news to EU citizens living here in the UK, and Brits living in EU countries, and will allow them to get on with their lives.
“Speaking to local businesses I know they are delighted with this breakthrough in Brexit talks and now negotiations can begin on a future trade deal to give businesses the certainty they need.
“As Donald Tusk said, this deal is the personal success of Theresa May. In the face of intense pressure and criticism the Prime Minister stuck to her guns and has reached an agreement which will allow the UK to forge a deep and special partnership with the EU.”