Brexit deal approved by EU members

The Brexit deal thrashed out between negotiators from the European Union and the United Kingdom has been approved by the leaders of EU member nations, paving the way for the British Parliament to consider it in the weeks to come.

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, said the 27 other nations gave their approval after a mere hour of talks in Brussels over the weekend.

The rubber-stamping of the draft deal was widely expected despite last-minute drama that saw Spain threaten to oppose the deal over its concerns about Gibraltar, which is controlled by the UK but over which Spain also claims sovereignty.