REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has welcomed the Brexit deal PM Theresa May agreed last week with the European Union.

The deal reached now means talks can move on to trade and security, and discussions can begin on a future relationship between the UK and the EU.

The Brexit deal agreement secures the rights of the three million EU citizens living here and the million British citizens living in the EU, maintains the Common Travel Area with Ireland, which has operated since the 1920s, and sets out both sides’ determination to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The agreement also settles the financial terms of the UK’s exit from the EU.

Mrs Maclean said she was "absolutely delighted".

“This will be welcome news to EU citizens living here in the UK, and Brits living in EU countries, and will allow them to get on with their lives," she said.

“Speaking to local businesses I know they are delighted with this breakthrough in Brexit talks and now negotiations can begin on a future trade deal to give businesses the certainty they need."