THERESA May's Cabinet has given its blessing to a draft agreement on the terms for Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, as well as an outline political declaration on the future relationship.

The agreement was announced by the Prime Minister on the steps of 10 Downing Street after a marathon five-hour meeting of Cabinet which stretched on far beyond its expected time.

The move clears the way for a special Brexit summit in Brussels - probably on November 25 - for EU leaders to approve the deal, followed by a crucial Commons vote in which MPs will hold Britain's future in their hands.

Speaking moments after the meeting's conclusion, Mrs May acknowledged there would be "difficult days ahead" and announced she will outline the deal to MPs in the House of Commons on Thursday.

And she added: "This is a decisive step which enables us to move on and finalise the deal in the days ahead.

"These decisions were not taken lightly but I believe it is a decision that is firmly in the national interest."

She concluded: "I firmly believe, with my head and my heart, that this is a decision which is in the best interests of the United Kingdom."