Brexit deal reached between UK and European Union ahead of New Year’s Day deadline

More than 1,600 days after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, a final trade deal has been agreed to that will avoid border and economic chaos on New Year’s Day.

Downing Street confirmed that the deal had been sealed, saying it delivered on the promises given during the decisive 2016 referendum and in last year’s UK general election.

“We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters,” an official statement read.

“The deal is fantastic news for families and businesses in every part of the UK.

“We have signed the first free trade agreement based on zero tariffs and zero quotas that has ever been achieved with the EU.”

“We have delivered this great deal for the entire United Kingdom in…