UK and EU agree draft text on post-Brexit relationship

A final Brexit deal is within reach, UK Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Thursday, after agreeing a draft declaration on Britain's future relationship with the European Union.

Theresa May said the deal "delivers for the whole UK family, including Gibraltar" -- a nod to a key sticking point.

The 26-page draft political declaration -- which covers future relations on trade, security relations -- was finalized after overnight negotiations between the UK and EU. In a brief statement outside 10 Downing Street after a conference call with her Cabinet, May said it was the "right deal" for the UK.

The UK and the EU last week reached a deal on a 585-page "withdrawal agreement," covering Britain's split from the EU.
Madrid has threatened to oppose that deal over the handling of Gibraltar, a small British territory on the southern tip of Spain.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and UK Prime Minister Theresa May meet Wednesday in Brussels.

Theresa May spoke to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez late Wednesday on the issue but it's not yet clear how it will be resolved. She will also meet Thursday with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at Downing Street, she said.

It is now up to the leaders of the other 27 EU member states to agree with the withdrawal deal, which is legally binding, and the political declaration, which has no legal force, at a summit on Sunday.

The political declaration has been sent to EU capitals for their endorsement, European Council President Donald Tusk said earlier.

The British people want this to be settled," Theresa May said. "They want a good deal that sets us on course for a brighter future. That deal is within our grasp and I am determined to deliver it."
May is due to make a statement to lawmakers in the House of Commons later Thursday.