欧盟正式通过英国脱欧协议草案
The Brexit deal thrashed out between negotiators from the European Union and the United Kingdom has been approved by the leaders of EU member nations, paving the way for the British Parliament to consider it in the weeks to come. Three main issues: the Northern Ireland border, the cost of leaving the EU and citizens' rights, are at the center of the deal. The UK has agreed to settle a 39 billion pound "divorce bill" with the EU. The deal also aims to protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and UK citizens in the EU. A Northern Ireland "backstop" was agreed, that promises to keep the border open if trade talks break down. The deal must now go before the UK Parliament in a vote expected in the second week of December. Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to travel the country for the next two weeks in a bid to get MPs onside ahead of the vote in Parliament. Should she fail, several possibilities remain, including renegotiations with the EU, a general election or a "no deal" withdrawal from the EU. |