Attention turns to Commons as Brexit deal agreed

A Brexit deal that apparently retains a frictionless border has come a step closer as the UK government and the EU negotiating teams have come to an agreement.

The white smoke was emitted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this morning as he tweeted: "We've got a great new deal that takes back control."

The deal has reportedly replaced the Backstop which had proven so contentious amongst unionsts and swathes of the right wing of the Conservative Party.

Arch-Brexiteer, Jacob Rees-Mogg has already advocated for the Bill to be passed by when addressing the Commons, which bodes well for Johnson attracting support from the majority of the European Research Group.

The agreement brings an end to the epic all night negotiations where customs in Ireland and VAT proved the toughest hurdles to overcome.

This being Brexit the white smoke is set to turn decidedly grey as the legal text must first be approved in both the UK and European parliaments. The House of Comomns is due to sit on Saturday but the electoral arithmetic has been further complicated for Johnson with the DUP's refusal to acquiece.

Labour is intent on enforcing the party whip in the vote on a deal which leader Jeremy Corbyn had rejected in advance of its agreement.

The House of Commons has this lunchtime narrowly voted in favour of an ammendment which will permit MPs to table amendments to the agreement on Saturday. That leaves it open to the opposition to try to attach a confirmatory referendum on the agreement.