European Parliament: MEPs set to approve Brexit deal in historic vote

The European Parliament is set to approve the terms of the UK's departure from the European Union in an historic vote on Wednesday.

The 751 representatives will debate the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement in Brussels before, it is widely expected, giving their backing to the UK-EU treaty.

The landmark session is set to feature valedictory speeches and even music.

It will mark the final stage of the ratification process, ahead of the UK's exit at 23:00 GMT on 31 January.

The UK participated in its last meeting as an EU member on Tuesday when Foreign Office minister Chris Pincher attended the General Affairs Council.

The European Parliament's approval is the final hurdle to be cleared for Brexit to go ahead.

However, Wednesday's session will be largely symbolic. The outcome of the vote is not in any doubt after the Withdrawal Agreement was signed off by key parliamentary committees last week.

The proceedings will be an opportunity for those on either side of the Brexit battles of recent years, including the UK's 73 MEPs, to celebrate or lament the end of the UK's membership of the EU after 47 years.