Theresa May Offers Brexit Talks With Jeremy Corbyn After Surviving No Confidence Vote

Corbyn responded: “Before there can be any positive discussions about the way forward, the Government must remove clearly once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit from the EU and all the chaos that would come as a result of that.”

May’s official spokesman appeared to reject Corbyn’s demand to rule out no-deal, telling reporters: “The prime minister has been very clear that the British public voted to leave the European Union.

“We want to leave with a deal but she is determined to deliver on the verdict of the British public and that is to leave the EU on March 29 this year.”

A senior Downing Street source said May remained committed to securing an “independent trade policy” after Brexit, effectively ruling out a customs union with the EU which Labour, other opposition parties and several Tory Remainers back.

May’s offer of one-to-one talks was extended to SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable, and Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts.

Corbyn meanwhile will come under intensifying pressure to back a second referendum. Labour passed a motion at its autumn conference making clear that forcing an election is the priority, but if it is not possible the party would back all remaining options, including another EU vote.

In a sign that the Labour leader is wary of a so-called people’s vote, senior party figures indicated he was ready to table repeated no-confidence challenges and therefore stall the process by which he could be forced to back another referendum.

However, 71 Labour MPs have called for Corbyn to “unequivocally” back a second referendum now that his no-confidence motion has failed.