THE UK Government's new Brexit white paper has been hailed as "a significant change of direction" by Carwyn Jones.

The agreement was published today and sets out plans for Britain's future relationship with the EU, including a proposal for a new governing body made up of representatives of the UK and the EU.

And the first minister has welcomed it as a concession towards some of the demands previously made by the Welsh Government.

He said: “The UK Government’s white paper is a significant change of direction which moves away from their red lines towards the negotiating position we set out in January last year.

"It is a source of regret that the UK Government has, again, had to be dragged kicking and screaming to this sensible approach, but today’s movement must at least receive a cautious welcome.

But he added: "Far too many questions remain unanswered and some proposals - such as a twin track customs systems - appear unworkable.

"I fail to see why the UK Government choose to pursue such an overly bureaucratic and clumsy approach to trade, when continued participation in the single market and customs union would resolve these issues, protect jobs, trade and investment and provide the certainty and stability business needs.

“I will discuss the EU’s reaction to the proposals with Michel Barnier when I meet with him in Brussels on Monday. I will also take the opportunity to set out where we believe a flexible approach from the EU27 is needed to avoid the catastrophic ‘no deal’ scenario.”

The white paper published following last week's crunch cabinet meeting has been criticised by many Brexit supporters as amounting to a 'soft Brexit' - and has already led to a series of resignations from the cabinet, including David Davis and Boris Johnson.

Other key elements include a free trade area for goods, a "robust" independent panel to arbitrate on disputes so neither side's courts have the final say, and continued security co-operation, including participation in Europol and other agencies.

Although free movement will come to an end, visa-free travel will be allowed for tourism and temporary work, while businesses will be permitted to move staff between countries.

Plaid Cymru has criticised the paper as "fanciful and undeliverable".