European parliament votes through Brexit deal with big majority

UK and EU senior figures hail moment as a new chapter' of friendly relations after four years of division

The European parliament has given its overwhelming backing to the Brexit trade and security deal, prompting senior figures on both sides to speak of hope for a new chapter" of friendly relations after four years of division.

Just five MEPs voted against the deal, with 660 in favour and 32 abstentions, although in an accompanying resolution the chamber described the referendum result of 23 June 2016 as a historic mistake".