Brexit deal: After 595 days, how UK and EU got here, and what happens next

The politics of getting the deal through parliament are immensely fraught and the EU is hanging on a positive answer

Finally, 595 days after Theresa May informed the EU of the UK’s intention to leave, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The “tunnel”, in this case, is Brussels-speak for the intense round of Brexit meetings between senior civil servants.

Their work done, British politicians now have to give their verdict on the technical policy details enshrined in the 585-page draft withdrawal agreement. Now the deal has been agreed by cabinet, it needs the approval of UK MPs and each EU member state.

The politics of getting the