UK WARNS BUSINESSES OF ‘BUMPY’ POST-BREXIT TRANSITION

Four days after sealing a free trade agreement with the European Union, the British government warned businesses to get ready for disruptions and “bumpy moments” when the new rules take effect on Thursday night, Jill Lawless and Raf Casert reported for Reuters.

Firms are scrambling to digest the details and implications of the 1,240-page deal sealed by the EU and the UK on Christmas Eve, just a week before the yearend deadline.

Ambassadors from the 27 EU nations, meanwhile, gave their unanimous approval to the deal on Monday. “Green light,” said German spokesman Sebastian Fischer, whose country currently holds the EU presidency.

The approval had been expected, since all EU leaders have warmly welcomed the deal, which is designed to put post-Brexit relations between the bloc and former member Britain on reliable footing.

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