EU ambassadors approve post Brexit trade deal

The UK's post-Brexit trade deal has been unanimously approved by EU ambassadors.

The move paves the way for the agreement which allows for the continued tariff-free trade with the EU single market to take effect when the current Brexit transition period expires on Thursday.

It comes as MPs in Britain prepare to vote on the deal in a special sitting of Parliament called for Wednesday with the SNP opposing it as a point of principle

Ian Blackford, the leader in Westminster, said his party would vote against the unforgivable act of economic vandalism and gross stupidity'' which he argued is avery bad deal for Scotland''.

It is likely to pass through both Houses, though, with Labour ordering its MPs to vote for the “thin” treaty because the only other option is a chaotic departure without a trade deal.

The European Parliament must also formally ratify the deal in the New Year – although this will now apply retrospectively.

The agreement came as ministers stepped up calls for businesses and individuals to prepare for the new procedures that will apply in just four days’ time, regardless of the agreement.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove warned time was “very short” as he acknowledged there were likely to be some “bumpy moments” as the new arrangements came into effect.

He said firms needed to be ready for new customs, while he urged UK citizens to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover health costs and to check their mobile roaming policies to avoid charges if they were travelling to the EU.