Brexit news: Talks between Labour and the Tories could break down (Image: GETTY/PA )
Government sources say the Labour Party has little incentive to rush through a deal before the May European Elections as the Tories face heavy losses to Nigel Farage’s Brexit party. Number 10 is also said to be concerned Labour will not support a plan for MPs to vote on amendments to the withdrawal deal in order to break the deadlock, according to The Guardian.
If the withdrawal bill is voted down before the amendments, Prime Minister Theresa May would be forced to prorouge parliament and start again by bringing it forward with a new session and the Queen’s speech.
A series of working groups are being set up within the Brexit talks with Labour to look at specific issues.
But discussions on big issues like the customs union and a confirmatory referendum will not go ahead before Easter.
Business Secretary Greg Clark and his Labour shadow Rebecca Long-Bailey will look at services and consumer and workers' rights, Environment Secretary Michael Gove and his counterpart Sue Hayman will consider environmental protections, and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and Labour's Sir Keir Starmer will look at security.
Brexit news: Theresa May is under pressure to stop talks with Labour (Image: PA )
Asked what progress there had been in Brexit talks with the Government earlier today, Jeremy Corbyn said Labour had put its case that the future relationship with Europe had to be one where there was a customs union.
He said:
