Here’s what Boris Johnson said in his post-Brexit trade deal press conference

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK has “taken back control of our laws and our destiny,” after it agreed a historic post-Brexit trade deal with the EU.

Speaking at his post-Brexit trade deal press conference, the Prime Minister said the UK, for the first time since 1973, will be “an independent coastal state with full control of waters.”

‘A good thing for our friends and partners’

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The Prime Minister said the UK will leave the EU single market and the customs union, and confirmed EU law will no longer apply in the UK.

The UK and the EU agreed a post-Brexit trade deal today, Christmas Eve - one week before the deadline.

“The British people knew it was doable but were told it was impossible,” Johnson said.

“We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered.

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“We will be able to decide how and where we are going to stimulate new jobs and new homes in freeports and new green industrial zones.”

The Prime Minister noted that negotiation arguments were sometimes fierce, but this is a good deal for the whole of Europe.

‘We will be your friend, your ally, your supporter’

“We will be your friend, your ally, your supporter and indeed never let it be forgotten, your number one market,” Johnson said.

“Although we have left the EU, this country will remain culturally, emotionally, historically, strategically, geologically attached to Europe - not least through the four million EU nationals who have requested to settle in the UK over the last four years and who make an enormous contribution to our country and our lives.”

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The Prime Minister thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Michel Barnier and Lord Frost, saying, “For squaring that circle and finding the Philosopher's Stone that has allowed us to do this.

“This deal above all means certainty, for the aviation industry, the hauliers... the police, the border forces, and all those that keep us safe.

"It means certainty for our scientists who will be able to work together on great collective projects. But above all it means certainty for business."