Deal digested Key points of the transition agreement

♦ EU retains control of fishing rights during transition, with Britain only “consulted” on quotas.

♦government abandons pledge to end freedom of movement in March 2019, with EU citizens given effectively the same rights until the end of 2020 that they enjoy now. UUK citizens to maintain full freedom of movement in the EU until end of transition.

♦transition period will end on Dec 31, 2020, in line with EU’S wishes, instead of March 2021.

♦britain agrees a “backstop” clause on the

Irish border.

♦brussels agrees UK can negotiate, sign and ratify trade deals during transition period, having previously insisted on negotiation only.

♦gibraltar to be included in transition deal despite protests of Spain.

♦joint committee to ensure both sides “act in good faith”.

♦so-called “punishment clause”, stating that the EU “may suspend benefits” of the internal market if it considers UK has not respected the agreement or EU law, watered down.