Brexit crunch time as May reveals deal to cabinet which could protect food supply
Theresa May is set to present her Brexit deal to cabinet today in the first step towards sealing an agreement with the EU.
The deal is yet to be published, however is reported to contain language which gives the UK access to the customs union for the foreseeable future in a potential boost to the industry. Customs union access would allow the UK to continue to trade seamlessly with the EU, curtailing any risks of food shortages.
However in a concession Brexit backers may find unpalatable, the deal is believed to include alignment to future EU rules - particularly in Northern Ireland - and a commitment to obey the European Courts of Justice, meaning the UK has gone from a "rule maker to a rule-taker".
Ministers were brought into Downing Street one by one last night to take in the 500-page draft document, which is expected to be decided on at around 2pm today. If she receives agreement from ministers it will go on to be presented to parliament, who will have to vote on the terms she has set down, and EU member states, who will have to do the same.
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