Brexit breakthrough: Shropshire and Mid Wales MPs praise Theresa May over talks

Telford MP Lucy Allan described the negotiations to date as a "tortuous and difficult process," but hailed the breakthrough as a major step forward.

It comes after European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker announced that he is recommending leaders of the remaining 27 EU states give a green light to the start of trade talks next Thursday.

The breakthrough was hailed by Prime Minister Theresa May as "a hard-won agreement in all our interests", while European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said it represented "sufficient progress" for negotiations to move on to their second phase.

"This is excellent news for business confidence and investment, and for the future of our country," said Ms Allan.

"The PM has shown tremendous tenacity in getting negotiations to this stage. It has been a tortuous and difficult process, with game playing and grandstanding by those who would see Brexit fail and those who would see the PM fail; her courage and determination has played a vital part in the success of the talks, against the odds.

"We can now move on to free trade talks and to securing a successful trade deal. It’s a very exciting and historic moment."

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson agreed it was a positive development but warned that it was too soon to start celebrating.

"It is a big improvement on Monday, talks have moved a long way," he said.

"There are still problematic areas included clause 49, the role of the European Court of Justice and money.

"At last we are moving to free trade discussions. Problem areas must be debated and resolved.

"Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed."

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies praised Theresa May for "keeping it together". "It is a great achievement to have made progress in these talks," he said.

"We have to congratulate the Prime Minister, she has been amazing, she has had to doom from everyone around here, but she kept it together and has made progress.

"It is not just got news for Britain, it is good news for the European Union, because we want the best deal for us and them."

Ludlow MP Phillip Dunne said: "I'm very pleased that the Prime Minister has succeeded in getting negotiations to this breakthrough.

"I am particularly pleased that this helps reassure EU citizens that they will will be able to get a settled status in a simple straightforward way.

"The focus now needs to shift swiftly onto the future relationship to get the best deal for Britain through a transition and after we leave the EU."

MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham Daniel Kawczynski said: "I'm pleased with the progress the prime minister is making so far and I believe we are making significant inroads into forming new relationship with the EU which will benefit the United Kingdom."

Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard said: "This is an important breakthrough which will now mean the UK can move onto stage two of these important negotiations.

"This is a good day for the Prime Minister."