FOLLOWING a new Brexit deal being agreed between the UK and the European Union today, Redditch MP Rachel Maclean has welcomed the news, saying “The Prime Minister has proved his critics wrong".

“This is a deal which allows us to get Brexit done and leave the EU in two weeks’ time," she said.

READ MORE: A deal has been done

“The Prime Minister has proved his critics wrong. They said he wouldn’t be able to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement - he has.

"They said he wouldn’t be able to remove the backstop – he has. The Prime Minister has ensured Britain will no longer be bound by EU laws and taxes – something many said was impossible. And he has ended the supremacy of the European Court in Britain – something many said was impossible.

“I have read the legal text and I am satisfied this new deal ensures that we take back control of our laws, trade, borders and money without disruption, and provides the basis of a new relationship with the EU based on free trade and friendly cooperation.

“There will be a special arrangement for Northern Ireland. The deal guarantees and reinforces the peace process and avoids any issues at the border. There will be no hard border between the Republic of Ireland and the UK. Northern Ireland will remain forever part of the UK customs territory and we will leave the EU as one United Kingdom."

Mrs Maclean added: "There is strong evidence from my constituents that no matter how they voted in 2016, they want Brexit settled, honouring the democratic mandate of the referendum and to move on to other important domestic issues that face us including police, the NHS, schools, youth services, mental health, and unlocking Redditch with up to £25million of funding from the Stronger Towns Fund.

“I will be voting for this deal on Saturday. I made a promise to my constituents that I would deliver Brexit, something 62 per cent of voters in Redditch voted for, and I will fulfil my promise.”