The European Parliament voted in favor of the post-Brexit trade deal between Britain and the European Union, clearing the last hurdle towards its ratification, while expressing clear mistrust of the British government, Reuters reports.
EU lawmakers cleared the trade and cooperation agreement (TCA) by 660 votes to five with 32 abstentions. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she warmly welcomed the vote.
"The TCA marks the foundation of a strong and close partnership with the UK. Faithful implementation is essential," she said in a tweet.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this week was the final step in a long journey, providing stability to Britain's new relationship with the EU.
"Now is the time to look forward to the future and to building a more global Britain," he said in a statement.
It's worth noting that Britain left the EU at the end of January 2020 but remained in the EU single market until the start of 2021. The deal struck in December ensures zero tariffs and quotas, but adds new checks and paperwork that hinder trade. Thus, Parliament's consent brings to an end over four years of acrimonious negotiations and debate as Britain ended 47 years of EU membership, but mistrust lingers.