Ministers have been in discussions with Labour heavyweights including shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer for the best part of a month in an effort to find a way forward after her withdrawal agreement was voted down for the third time in the House of Commons. As a result, Mrs May was forced to travel to Brussels to request a further delay to the implementation of Article 50, until October 31. Deputy Prime Minister David Lidington struck an optimistic note yesterday when he said he was “encouraged” after sensing sensing agreement on the need to “inject greater urgency”.
Meanwhile Downing Street also sought to put a positive spin on the situation, describing negotiations as “serious and constructive”.
Talks are focused on striking a cross-party deal which would allow the two sides to back legislation required to deliver Brexit in accordance with the result of the 2016 referendum.
However, the Government and Labour are also considering the idea of another round of parliamentary votes on different Brexit options, in the event that a cross-party deal cannot be reached.
Pressure is mounting on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to commit the party to a confirmatory referendum on whatever deal emerges from the talks.
Theresa May is giving ministers eight days to strike a deal with Labour (Image: GETTY)
However, Labour are thought to be reluctant to agree to be bound by another “indicative votes” process
