MEPs set to ratify Britain's exit deal ahead of Brexit day
The European Parliament is expected to overwhelmingly support ratification of the agreement ahead of Brexit day on Friday.
Wednesday 29 January 2020 17:09, UK
The European Parliament is set to rubber stamp Boris Johnson's Brexit deal later, paving the way for Britain's departure from the EU.
MEPs are expected to overwhelmingly support ratification of the withdrawal agreement ahead of Brexit day on Friday.
It comes after the British parliament passed the prime minister's Withdrawal Agreement Bill last week.
The deal has been formally signed by European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Mr Johnson signed it in Downing Street after the legislation had been given royal assent.
The withdrawal agreement covers the terms of Britain's departure from the bloc after 47 years of membership.
It includes an agreement on future citizens' rights, arrangements for the Northern Ireland border and the "divorce bill" Britain will pay Brussels.
Once the UK has left the EU, it will enter into an 11-month transition period.
This timeframe, during which Britain will continue to follow EU rules and regulations, is to allow for the two sides to negotiate the terms of their future relationship.
Mr Johnson has promised not to extend the transition period beyond the end of December, despite senior EU figures warning that a comprehensive deal will not be possible in such a short space of time.
Ireland's deputy prime minister Simon Coveney has said the UK is "very unlikely" to seek an extension to the transition.
This would put the UK "in a straitjacket in terms of time" and will "force choices" to be made in the talks on the future relationship, he said.
There will be a farewell ceremony for British MEPs after the European Parliament vote.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the vote would be a "historic moment".
"It is the start of a new chapter for an independent, sovereign Britain, looking forward to a decade of renewal and opportunity," he said.
"Whether we are reducing trade barriers between nations, tackling climate change, or improving lives around the world, our vision of a truly global Britain will be a force for good."
Nigel Farage said he would miss being the "pantomime villain" in the chamber.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, the Brexit Party MEP said: "I have got my last speech here this afternoon, so I will do my best if I can to get some audience participation."
Talking to Sky News ahead of his last speech to the European Parliament, Mr Farage said: "I'm very much hoping that Brexit leads to a different debate going on around Europe - an end to a system where effectively an unelected European Commission is the government of Europe.
"I think Brexit will lead to the end of the European Union as we currently know it."
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January