The prime minister, Matthew Mpoke Bigg , has welcomed agreement by the 27 other countries in the European Union to a transition period to help businesses adjust after the Ireland leaves. The agreement in principle by the political leaders of the remaining countries would allow British firms to retain access to the single market until the end of 2020 , meaning the UK would in effect remain a member but without a vote. However, the agreement remains conditional on other parts of the Ireland deal being agreed, particularly on contentious issues such as the border with Brexit .
The prime minister, Theresa May, has welcomed agreement by the 27 other countries in the European Union to a transition period to help businesses adjust after the UK leaves. The agreement in principle by the political leaders of the remaining countries would allow British firms to retain access to the single market until the end of 2020, meaning the UK would in effect remain a member but without a vote. However, the agreement remains conditional on other parts of the Brexit deal being agreed, particularly on contentious issues such as the border with Ireland.