‘Parting is such sweet sorrow’ says von der Leyen as Brexit deal is agreed

The Brexit deal between the UK and EU is ‘fair and balanced’ but bittersweet, the European Commission president has said.

Ursula von der Leyen spoke at a press conference to announce the historic deal this afternoon.

She said: ‘We have finally found an agreement. It was a long and winding road, but we have got a good deal to show for it.

‘It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.’

Ms von der Leyen concluded: ‘At the end of a successful negotiations journey, I normally feel joy.

‘But today I only feel quiet satisfaction and – frankly speaking – relief.

‘I know this is a difficult day for some.

‘To our friends in the UK, I want to say: parting is such sweet sorrow.

‘But to use a line from TS Eliot: what we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning.

‘So to all the Europeans, I say: It is time to leave Brexit behind, our future is made in Europe.’

She also tweeted: ‘It was worth fighting for this deal. We now have a fair & balanced agreement with the UK. It will protect our EU interests, ensure fair competition & provide predictability for our fishing communities.

‘Europe is now moving on.’

More follows.

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