THE Brexit deal just announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson is "hugely significant" for Cumbria and the UK, says Carlisle MP John Stevenson.

The desperately hoped for agreement - confirmed in tweets by Mr Johnson and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker - has yet to win approval from MPs in the Commons but Mr Stevenson said it demonstrated that the Prime Minister was a leader capable of delivering on his promises.

"I'm delighted that a deal has been struck," said Mr Stevenson.

"This is significant news for the UK and for Europe.

"It's always been my view that it is in the interests of both parties to strike a deal.

"The challenge for the Prime Minister now is to get this through Parliament. I'd call on MPs from all parties to support the PM.

"I'd be extremely disappointed if it does not get through Parliament.

"But this demonstrates that Boris Johnson is someone who can get things done and negotiate significant issues with other countries.

"It also demonstrates to the country the sort of leader we need, rather than one who would take us back to the 1970s."

In his tweet, Mr Junker wrote: "Where there is a will, there is a #deal - we have one! It’s a fair and balanced agreement for the EU and the UK and it is testament to our commitment to find solutions. I recommend that #EUCO endorses this deal."

Boris Johnson's message was: "We’ve got a great new deal that takes back control — now Parliament should get Brexit done on Saturday so we can move on to other priorities like the cost of living, the NHS, violent crime and our environment #GetBrexitDone #TakeBackControl."

There was some bad news for Mr Johnson, however, with reports coming in that the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) was unwilling to support the deal secured by the PM as it stands.