Draft Brexit agreement to be considered today

The governments on both sides of the Irish Sea will consider a draft Brexit withdrawal agreement today.
The text has been agreed by officials – but faces a tough test as Theresa May tries to rally political support for it.
Last night senior officials briefed the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for European Affairs and the Finance Minister on the current state of play.
At half 9 the rest of the Cabinet will be informed of the detail of the deal, before the Dáil is briefed likely just before lunchtime.
But the more significant meeting will happen this afternoon in London.
Theresa May convenes her divided cabinet at 2 o’clock.
Ministers were being brought in to Downing Street one by one last night to read the proposed deal.
While this deal has been agreed by officials – politicians will have much more to say.
The DUP and arch-Brexiteers have already slammed it, some Ministers are understood to be sceptical, and British Labour gave it a lukewarm response last night.
Today’s meetings are crucial if there’s to be a November EU summit on Brexit – and may well prove decisive for Theresa May’s future as Prime Minister.