No joy over May's final Brexit deal text

Theresa May's declaration of a final text on a Brexit deal has been met with disbelief and scorn, with some calling it "aspirational".

REACTION TO PM THERESA MAY'S BREXIT DEAL:

* Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: Dismisses new text as "lots of unicorns taking the place of facts about the future relationship".

"Fair play to the EU for pushing it as far as possible, but it adds up to a blindfold Brexit. Difficult issues unresolved - so extended transition/backstop almost certain."

* Leave-backing Tory MP Marcus Fysh: It makes May's withdrawal agreement "even more toxic".

* Source from European Research Group of eurosceptic Conservative MPs:: "The political declaration is not legally binding, vague, aspirational and little more than a smokescreen to cover up the fact that the permanent relationship is the customs union backstop.

"The withdrawal agreement gives away APS39 billion for no guaranteed free trade agreement in return. What it does guarantee is the UK would be stuck as a vassal state accepting EU laws and trade policy unless the EU decides to release us."

* Conservative MP Philip Lee, who quit the government in protest at its handling of Brexit: It "reads like a letter to Santa".

* Labour MP Chuka Umunna, leading supporter of the People's Vote campaign for a second referendum: "This political declaration is just that - a political declaration. It is entirely aspirational and doesn't finalise anything. Years of uncertainty and endless negotiations would lie ahead - discouraging investment long into the future.

"In short this is a terrible offer to the British people and one that the people should have the opportunity to turn down in favour of keeping our current deal as members with a say over decisions that affect our future."


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Source: AAP



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