Brexit: Theresa May writes letter asking British public to back deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May

Theresa May has written a letter to the British public pleading for their support for her Brexit deal, as the EU prepares to sign it off.

The prime minister said her agreement promises a “brighter future” for the UK and leaving the EU next year will be “a moment of renewal and reconciliation for our whole country”.

EU leaders are in Brussels for a summit to decide whether to endorse the deal.

European Council chief Donald Tusk has recommended all countries approve it.

The president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said it was a moment of “deep sadness” for Europe.

He added that, although this was the “best possible deal” for both sides, there were “no smooth divorces”.

Spain – which had threatened to boycott the summit – will attend after a last-minute disagreement over Gibraltar was resolved on Saturday.

However, even if the EU agrees to the deal, it needs to be passed by the UK Parliament. Many MPs – including in Mrs May’s own Conservative Party – have stated they will vote against it.

What does the PM’s letter say?

In Mrs May’s “letter to the nation” – published on the eve of the EU summit where she hopes the 27 other EU countries will back her deal – the PM claims the deal is “in our national interest” and works for all parts of the UK. Leaving the EU on 29 March 2019 will mark “a new chapter in our national life,” she said.

“It must mark the point when we put aside the labels of ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ for good and we come together again as one people.

“To do that we need to get on with Brexit now by getting behind this deal.”

The prime minister said she would be campaigning “with [her] heart and soul” to get MPs to pass the deal in the House of Commons and “honour the result of the referendum”.

She said the deal delivers on Brexit by ending free movement of people and “vast” annual payments to the EU.

“With Brexit settled”, the government will be able to focus on issues such as the economy, the NHS and building homes, she added.

Analysis

BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg

The end of the negotiations. But not the end of the arguments Theresa May has to make about our relationship with the rest of the continent.

Today – Number 10 hopes – marks the end of months and years of negotiations, not just with Brussels. But, with a bigger aspiration: to bring the country together.

But, while a deal is expected to be signed off in Brussels today, whatever the last minute jitters, Theresa May will know, pitching her agreement to the EU is one thing, persuading Parliament another, and ultimately what will determine her and all of our futures is whether the public is willing to come on board.

– bbc.com