Boris Johnson has ‘got Brexit done’ – 1,645 days after Britain voted leave

After 1,645 days, Boris Johnson is finally getting his Brexit trade deal done following weeks of hard talks.

Yes, it is four years and six months to the day since the UK woke up to the EU referendum result. The day on which the word ‘Brexit’ was born and became the most popular, yet infuriating, word in the world.

Now, according to sources, a 2000-page deal is very nearly signed off and will almost certainly secure parliamentary approval given Johnson’s large majority. This is expected to happen today.

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Morning
– David Frost and Michel Barnier talks continue
– Fish remains main item
– Another PM-VDL call expected
– PM public appearance not expected for minimum couple of hours plus plus

— Sam Coates Sky (@SamCoatesSky) December 24, 2020

“We’ve possibly got one or two more hours of talks to go, then there will be a call between Boris Johnson and Ursula Von der Leyen and then a press conference announcing a deal has been made,” reports Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates this morning.

“Fishing remains the main sticking point. But, the talks are more positive than at any other time this year.”

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UK & EU about to announce a free trade deal focused on erecting barriers, on adding friction – and therefore cost to the flow of goods and services. The details will start to tell us, and business, how much. Expect relief, but not a lot of celebration

— Paul Kelso (@pkelso) December 24, 2020

The prime minister is also believed to have led a late-night call with Cabinet ministers on Wednesday to update them on the progress.

Johnson was meant to share the result of the discussions at an 8am briefing this morning, which is currently running two hours late.

The announcement will come just one week before current trading arrangements expire on December 31.

This is a breaking story. More to follow.