Tony Blair insisted today the final version of the Brexit deal boosted the case for a second referendum because it was hated by both Leave and Remain backers.

The former Labour PM questioned 'literally why are we doing this' when the terms of Theresa May's Brexit was 'painful and pointless'.

As the Prime Minister won agreement for her withdrawal agreement and political declaration in Brussels, Mr Blair said the only answer was to go back to the country.

With the current deal likely to be blocked in Parliament said a new referendum was 'the only way you are going to unite the country'.

Tony Blair (pictured today on the Marr show) insisted today the final version of the Brexit deal boosted the case for a second referendum because it was hated by both Leave and Remain backers

The former Labour PM questioned on the Marr show (pictured) 'literally why are we doing this' when the terms of Theresa May's Brexit was 'painful and pointless'

He told BBC's Andrew Marr Show people should choose between the sort of 'proper Brexit' advocated by Boris Johnson or remaining in the EU.

Mr Blair, a prominent pro-EU campaigner, said he expected Labour to eventually back another vote.

Asked if there was a majority in Parliament for his position he said: 'Not yet but I think it will get there.'

He added: 'I think it's moving that way and I would be really surprised if the Labour Party doesn't end up in the position of supporting another vote.

'Because there's no other proposition that can get through Parliament.'

Britain's divorce from the EU was formally signed off by the bloc's leaders today in an historic moment on the road to Brexit.

Minutes after the summit began, EU Council President Donald Tusk confirmed the 27 national leaders had rubber stamped both the divorce treaty and a political declaration on the future relationship.

Theresa May is an historic summit in Brussels today (pictured) to sign off the terms of the deal she will try and sell to the Commons in just over two weeks

Theresa May swept into the summit moments after the EU leaders agreed their part to sign off British approval - but will return to the UK later to start the much harder fight to get it agreed by the Commons.

The documents have triggered a furious row in the UK and an attempt to oust Theresa May but the EU's negotiator Michel Barnier insisted MPs must 'take responsibility' and vote the deal today.

He said that after the painstaking talks, the controversial divorce deal had to be agreed as the basis for rebuilding trust between Britain and Europe.

Warning there would be no concessions if MPs reject it, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: 'This is the deal'.