Boris Johnson has begun the task of trying to persuade Eurosceptic Tories to back his Brexit trade agreement, insisting it is the “right deal” for the country.
The Prime Minister acknowledged “the devil is in the detail” but insisted it would stand up to inspection from the European Research Group (ERG) of Brexiteers, who will assemble a panel of lawyers to examine the 1,246-page text.
His message to Tory MPs came as the EU’s 27 member states indicated they will formally back the deal agreed by the UK with Brussels’ officials within days.
Michel Barnier, centre, carries a binder of the Brexit trade deal during a special meeting at the European Council building in Brussels (Olivier Hoslet, Pool/AP)