Sign in Subscribe
Prime ministers

Britain Leaves EU, Approves Covid-19 Vaccine in Historic Day

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a monumental day for the country, British MPs overwhelmingly voted to support Boris Johnson's post-Brexit trade agreement, while also approving the "game-changing" Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine for use. The UK will leave the European Union at 11pm tonight, marking a significant shift in the country's relationship with the EU. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that life could return to normal after Easter, with the first doses of the vaccine set to be administered on Monday.

Key Takeaways:

  • MPs voted 521 to 73 to approve the Brexit deal, with the European Parliament expected to ratify it after it comes into effect tonight.
  • The UK has ordered 100 million doses of the new Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, enough for 50 million people, with the first doses set to be administered on Monday.
  • The vaccine can be kept at normal fridge temperature, making it easier to distribute.
  • First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hailed the vaccine's approval as "the light at the end of the tunnel", but warned that tighter lockdown restrictions could be necessary if cases continue to rise.
  • The Prime Minister said he was "confident" that many Covid restrictions would have "receded into the past" by spring 2021, but warned that basic disciplines such as washing hands and wearing masks may still be necessary.
  • The Brexit deal has been given the unanimous backing of ambassadors from the 27 EU nations, but has been opposed by nationalist MPs and some Scottish MSPs.
  • UK citizens will no longer have an automatic right to live and work in the EU, with the ability to do so depending on each country's immigration rules.
  • Existing EU burgundy passports will remain valid, but UK travellers will not be able to use fast track e-gates at EU airports or Eurostar.

Statistics:

  • 521: Voting margin in favour of the Brexit deal in the UK Parliament.
  • 73: Number of MPs who voted against the Brexit deal.
  • 100 million: Number of doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine ordered by the UK.
  • 50 million: Number of people that the 100 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will cover.
  • 6 months: Minimum period of time remaining on a passport for travel to most EU countries.
  • £6: Approximate cost of a visa waiver for EU travel from January 2022.

Sources:

  • "Brexit deal approved by MPs as UK gets ready to leave EU" by John Stevens (Deputy Political Editor)
  • "Covid vaccine approval a 'game-changer', says Boris Johnson" by John Stevens (Deputy Political Editor)
  • "UK-EU trade deal: what it means for you" (article)
  • "Brexit: what's changing for you?" (article)

Read more