RTL Today - Brexit deal reactions: Scotland's future is as "independent European nation" and other reactions

Leaders from around Europe and the world have started expressing their views on the Brexit deal struck on 24 December - here's a selection.

Read our primary article on the new agreement here.

Scotland

Starting with Scotland, where people overwhelmingly voted in favour of staying in the EU, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says that Scotland's future is as "an independent, European nation", noting that "there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us."

Sturgeon

Before the spin starts, it’s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland’s will. And there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It’s time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 24, 2020

Ireland

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin hailed the UK-EU post-Brexit deal as a "very welcome" development on Thursday, saying it would pave the way for a "good relationship in the years ahead".

"While we will miss the UK from the European Union, the fact that a deal is now in place means we can focus on how we manage good relationship in the years ahead," Martin said on Twitter.

Also on Twitter Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the deal provided "certainty at last" and would allow "a fresh start for UK relations" with Ireland and the bloc.

Michael martin

#Brexit deal is very welcome after four long years of negotiations. Thanks to @vonderleyen & @MichelBarnier & team. While we will miss the UK from the European Union, the fact that a deal is now in place means we can focus on how we manage good relationship in the years ahead.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 24, 2020

Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "confident" a Brexit deal hammered out between the European Union and the United Kingdom on Thursday was a "good outcome".

"We will quickly be able to determine whether Germany can support today's result of the negotiations," she said in a statement, adding that her cabinet would meet Monday to review the accord.

"I am very confident that we have a good result."

UK

Former British prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May, who both resigned over Brexit in recent years, on Thursday called news of a trade deal with the European Union "very welcome".

"Trade deal is very welcome," Cameron said on Twitter, adding it was "good to end a difficult year with some positive news".

In her own message, May added: "Very welcome news that the UK & EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal – one that provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing."

Cameron

It's good to end a difficult year with some positive news. Trade deal is very welcome - and a vital step in building a new relationship with the EU as friends, neighbours and partners. Many congratulations to the UK negotiating team.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 24, 2020

May

Very welcome news that the UK & EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal - one that provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing. Looking forward to seeing the detail in the coming days.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) December 24, 2020

Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday said a new post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union would benefit both sides of the Channel, after a last-gasp agreement was secured.

"This is a good deal for the whole of Europe and for our friends and partners as well," he told a Downing Street news conference.

"It will not be a bad thing in my view to have a prosperous, dynamic and contented UK on your doorstep. It will be a good thing. It will drive jobs and prosperity across the whole continent."