Will the European Council really ratify a Brexit deal which has left UK politicians seething?

Analysis: Officials in Brussels hope representatives of the remaining EU members will not seek to reopen negotiations, says Jon Stone

European unity over Brexit has been little tested (EPA)

EU leaders will meet in Brussels on Sunday to sign off the Brexit deal struck with Theresa May, but you could be forgiven for asking what the point of the gathering is.

After all, barring a last minute climbdown by Theresa May’s detractors back home, the parliamentary arithmetic in Westminster looks fairly certain to defeat the plan.

Still, the 27 countries will go through the motions this weekend, unless there’s some kind of intervention to oust the prime minister during the week. It would be a huge upset if they did not sign the agreement.