UK's draft Brexit deal to be discussed in Brussels on 25 November

European leaders will meet in Brussels on 25 November to discuss the UK's withdrawal from the EU, after British ministers approved a draft exit agreement on Wednesday evening.

The 585-page text, which still needs approval from the British parliament in December, is "an important step forward", said Belgian prime minister Charles Michel, "but we're not there yet".

Michel said on Twitter: "We will now analyse the texts carefully in order to check their compatibility with European values. It is vital that the UK and Europe remain stable partners."

European Council president Donald Tusk confirmed on Thursday morning that a summit would be convened for the morning of Sunday 25 November.

Tusk told Brits on Thursday: "As much as I am sad to see you leave I will do everything to make this farewell the least painful possible for both for you and for us."

The draft agreement gives commitments over the rights of British citizens living in Europe, and vice versa, who will still be able to work where they live. Visa-free travel between the UK and EU countries would continue.

The text also proposes a 21-month transition period after the UK's departure from the EU, from March 2019 until December 2020.

The agreement is being analysed by EU27 member states this week. By the end of the week, ambassadors will meet to share their remarks.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier welcomed "decisive progress" in the Brexit negotiations, paving the way for an "orderly withdrawal" of the UK from the EU.

But he added: "Our work is not finished. We still have a long road ahead of us on both sides."