Chequers Brexit deal explained – what is Theresa May’s plan, when will it be voted on and who is for and against it

THERESA May is pinning her hopes that her Chequers deal will pave to way for a relatively smooth exit from the European Union.

The Prime Minister, however, faces substantial opposition from within the Conservative Party to the plan. Here’s what you need to know.

Theresa May and members of her Cabinet meet at her country retreat ChequersHandout - Getty What did Theresa May agree at Chequers?

After a marathon session of talks at Chequers on July 6, Theresa May managed to secure a Brexit plan which will be assessed by the EU.

Her Brexit plan will see the UK remains closely tied to the Brussels.

It also includes the creation of a new UK-EU free trade area for goods, with a “common rulebook”.

This rulebook could limit the UK’s ability to strike trade deals with countries such as the US, for whom securing market access for American farmers would be a big prize.

Here is the PM’s 12-point Soft Brexit plan that will tie Britain to Brussels rules What amendments has Theresa May agreed to?

Mrs May has agreed to an amendment that would stop Britain being tied to Europe’s customs union after we quit the EU.

In dramatic scenes in the House of Commons on July 17 2018, Mrs May managed to see off a damaging attempt, winning by just six votes.

Mrs May was then defeated on a separate amendment to her flagship Trade Bill, which will require her to seek continued UK participation in the EU’s system for regulation of medicines after Brexit.

Now her Cabinet is required to ensure that the UK can continue to participate in the regulatory network operated by the European Medicines Agency.

When will it be voted on?

Mrs May hopes to get an agreement hammered out at a series of summits with EU leaders this autumn, and bring it back to Parliament for approval.

A deal on the UK’s withdrawal agreement was expected to be agreed in time for the summit in October, along with a statement from both...

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