Brexit Deal: Trade talks to be recommended after major breakthrough in talks

The European Commission has agreed to recommend the start of talks on Britain's future trade relationship with the EU, in a major breakthrough after six months of Brexit negotiations.

The decision, which must be approved by leaders of the remaining 27 EU states next Thursday, was hailed by Prime Minister Theresa May as "a hard-won agreement in all our interests", while European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said it represented "sufficient progress" for negotiations to move on to their second phase.