The DUP has indicated that the party will not support Theresa May’s deal saying in a statement “that sufficient progress has not been achieved at this time”.

When, less than two years ago, Prime Minister Theresa May prematurely and without a roadmap of any kind, set a date for Britain’s regrettable departure from the EU, she seemed assured, as if she was underpinned by the warm confidence a happy bride-to-be might exude as she announced a wedding date.

The UK’s debate on leaving the EU is becoming so multi-faceted that all outcomes are likely to leave everyone unhappy, writes Andrew Hammond.

British MPs will consider the plan for leaving the EU in their first week back at Westminster after Christmas on January 7, with a vote the following week.