Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has praised the new deal the UK has struck with the EU, claiming it has the potential to deliver a ‘more secure future’ for the capital. Sir Sadiq added that he felt the deal would undo some of the damage caused by Brexit, which he said had ‘dragged the economy down’.
The deal was announced on Monday, May 19, with the UK Government claiming it as a means to boost the national economy by ÂŁ9 billion by 2030. This includes access to UK waters for EU fishing vessels as well as strengthening co-operation on defence and the electricity market.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Today’s deal will reset our relationship with our biggest trading partner and put our capital, country and continent on course for a more secure and prosperous future.”
He added: “This agreement is good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders and will deliver growth in London and across the UK.”
The Mayor praised the benefits to young people, with initial talks to develop a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU being agreed. This would allow a limited number of young people in the UK to work, study and volunteer in EU countries for a prescribed amount of time.
He said: “I am delighted that the Government and EU have agreed in principle to deliver a new scheme for young people. This will give young Brits and Londoners – and their European counterparts – access to exciting new opportunities, and crucially allow us to fill vacancies in some of our key sectors.
“Brexit has dragged our economy down and pushed up the cost of living, but this deal will undo some of the damage it has caused.”
Sir Sadiq said it was important for a decision to be made on British holidaymakers using e-gates across Europe to reduce airport queues. The new deal will reportedly see discussions to ensure smoother border management while using e-gates, as well as easier systems for UK citizens bringing pets abroad.
He said: “I hope this agreement is a springboard for further deals and closer alignment in other key sectors – such as our financial services and our major creative sectors – all vital to our capital’s prosperity.”
The deal also looks to combat crime by the UK and EU sharing data and information relating to terrorism and other serious crimes. New approaches to reduce irregular migration have also been agreed in an effort to tackle people smuggling.
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