I am relieved and happy that a trade deal with the European Union has been secured this afternoon.

We will need to scrutinise the detail of the deal as it emerges. But a deal is what we all wanted and this is what we now have. Brexit has happened. We now are taking full advantage of the opportunities available to us an independent trading nation, striking trade deals with partners all around the world.

The transition period will end next Thursday and we will enter 2021 having taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and fishing waters. For people in Southampton, this means we have left the EU without the risk of disruption to business and supplies. This is some good news to end a very challenging year and we can look ahead to 2021 with cautious optimism.