Brexit explained: Boris Johnson's new trade deal with the EU

Brexit is finally over. The UK has finally agreed a trade deal with the European Union - which will start on 1 January, 2021.

But what's in the deal? And what will change as a result?

The Brexit saga has seen off two British prime ministers - Theresa May and David Cameron. But now Boris Johnson has reached a deal with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU Commission.

After years of debate over the single market, the customs union, tariffs, and the border in Northern Ireland, the two sides have finally found a compromise.

The Brexit referendum in 2016 caused a huge division in UK politics, with MPs split between Leave and Remain. The issue has also divided the Conservative and Labour parties. Some wanted Brexit to be overturned and called for a second referendum. Others said the UK should have a "hard" Brexit, with a more divisive split from Europe.

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[andrewjones-productions]

Well, Northern Ireland's rightful reunification with the Republic is now probably one notch closer to becoming a reality. 🇮🇪

[lewilewis]

I feel sorry for the young 'uns that are going to miss out. I lived and worked in Italy back in the 90's and it was a blast, no hassle, no visas. Everyone should travel a bit and take the time to soak up some alternative lifestyles, it just got a lot harder.
The economic fallout will take a while to work out, but Covid has made it way worse for everyone.

[annov]

Brexit is not over? How? Every time you want to sell service or goods to EU you need to ask permission/ tariffs/ EU runs etc...

[dvidclapperton]

The tory claim of "All the benefits of the single market without being in the single market" is just yet another tory lie.

[Hangman]

Great times for EU citizens living in UK - got best from both worlds and no restrictions 🎉 😁

[YaSeenAli-bswq]

Can I just say that I am British and I was too young to vote in the eu referendum like many others. I just want to say to our EU friends and partners and to any European or non European people reading this that on behalf of the 48% of the country who voted for remain in 2016, we are very ashamed and sad about brexit and our leader's stance on brexit.

Furthermore, I, like many others who are still too young to vote, we are overwhelmingly pro-EU. I hold in my heart that one day we will rejoin our great and close friends in the EU. We love you and we will miss you!🇬🇧❤️🇪🇺

[jck]

No tariffs, as long as you comply to EU rules. You forget to mention a lot of details like this.

[mstt]

Sad, I worked in Belgium for a few years in my early twenties. I was lucky enough to retain my residency permit. Many young people will miss out. How very sad :(

[tetchuma]

Sooo... why did Britain chose to leave the EU, again?
Everything they’ve been trying to negotiate wouldn’t be necessary if they had just stayed.

They voted to leave. The EU isn’t obligated to negotiate at all, honestly. Forget the trade deals. Forget the increase cost of goods from tariffs. Forget the fact that foreigners pay into the NHS, but aren’t able to utilize it. Give them EXACTLY what they voted for, and then they’ll see that they were conned into.

No deal, no trade, no negotiation, no discussion.

I love the UK, but this is just sad.

[gyata]

So the Govt have given UK businesses loads of disruption, in terms of software changes and paperwork and technically handed over N.Ireland to the EU, got it.

[markgarwood]

Nearly always appreciate your reporting Channel 4 but this report really glosses over the important detail that hides the government's deceit about just how much we have lost!

[mayainactiveemail]

Imagine all the gammons retired in Spain who voted brexit lol

[ardakolimsky]

I patrolled the Irish border. I am glad no one will have to do it again.

[xabierperez]

No tariffs IF a some things happen, you forgot to mention the red tape or Financial Services.

[eamonnsiocain]

Brexit is the best opportunity Scotland has ever had to regain its sovereignty.
It's time for Britain to leave Scotland & let them govern themselves. *_Scexit!_*

[Redf]

We obey all the rules with no say in them. Massive loss in business confidence and investment, and disrupted transport of goods. No deal for the city yet despite it being 80% of our economy. We get an extra 2% of fish in five years time. Not great.

[iedco]

I love it when you talk down the paperwork. Currently two pages and two minutes to clear customs with a truck. From Friday, 120 pages and minimum two hours to clear Customs. Taking back control means employing an extra 50, 000 Bureaucrats to stop Bureaucracy ! 😂😂

[Soordhin]

I wonder why UK commentators always forget that there are actually two land borders between the EU and the UK. One on the island of ireland, and one in spain.

[rllegend]

Nothing changes, just better ways to avoid taxes for the richest and for them to get even more richer by finding flaws in the law

As for basic people... just a pain to travel for holidays and huge roaming charges too

[Blazegraze]

From what I understand this new deal barely covers services which accounts for 80% of the UK economy.