Maldon MP John Whittingdale has welcomed news of a "Christmas present" post-Brexit trade deal with the EU.

The deal with Europe was announced this afternoon (Thursday, 24 December) after months of negotiations - including the detail on fishing rights - came to a successful conclusion.

Mr Whittingdale said: "The announcement that a deal has been struck between the UK and the EU on our future relationship is the Christmas present we had been hoping for.

"Having campaigned in favour of the Britain leaving the European Union, I have always been confident that our country will prosper as an independent nation able to strike trade deals with countries around the world. However, as our biggest trading partner, it was always clear that a trade deal with the EU would be hugely in both of our interests.

"As of 1st January, Britain will be a sovereign nation once again with control over our own laws, borders, money and waters.

"However, we can also continue trading with other European member states without quotas or tariffs as a result of the biggest and fastest trade deal ever agreed by the EU. As Minister responsible for data, I am also delighted that we now have an agreement which allows data to continue to flow between us and the EU without the need for any extra protections."

Now the deal will be put to a vote in Parliament on Wednesday (30 December), with Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer already declaring that Labour will support it.

Mr Whittingdale added: "This is a huge achievement by the Prime Minister and David Frost. Although I will be staying in Maldon as a result of the Speaker's request that MPs do not attend in person, I will be delighted to vote for this historic deal next Wednesday. In the meantime, I wish all my constituents a very Happy Christmas and very much hope that with Brexit delivered and a Covid vaccine being rolled out, we can look forward to a much better year ahead."