Jeremy Corbyn launches effort to find cross-party Brexit compromise

'Labour has set out credible options as to how we propose to break the deadlock and avoid a disastrous no-deal,' leader says

(PA)

Jeremy Corbyn has written to MPs backing soft Brexit plans as well as supporters of a second referendum, inviting them for talks to find a cross-party compromise.

The Labour leader called for urgent meetings to find a "solution that ends the needless uncertainty and worry" caused by Theresa May's "failed" Brexit negotiations.

He said Labour's "credible" plans would form the starting point for any discussions, but he was keen to find common ground with supporters of other plans.

The offer has been extended to SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds, Plaid's Liz Saville Roberts and Green MP Caroline Lucas.

Backbench MPs invited for talks with Mr Corbyn and shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer include Labour's Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson, who have put forward a plan for the Commons to allow the Prime Minister's Brexit deal to go through, subject to a referendum.

Senior Labour backbenchers Yvette Cooper, Hilary Benn and Rachel Reeves have also been offered talks, along with Tories Ken Clarke and Nicky Morgan.

Invitations have also been sent to Sir Oliver Letwin, Nick Boles, Stephen Kinnock and Lucy Powell - the Tory and Labour MPs behind a push for a Norway-style soft Brexit inside the single market with a customs union.

Labour's Jack Dromey and Tory former minister Dame Caroline Spelman, who led Commons efforts to reject a no-deal Brexit, have also been offered a meeting.

Mr Corbyn said: "Labour has set out credible options as to how we propose to break the deadlock and avoid a disastrous no-deal. This includes putting forward an alternative Brexit plan with a permanent customs union, single market deal and dynamic alignment on rights and protections. We have also said that we would support a public vote to prevent damaging Brexit proposals being forced on the country.

"We would obviously use that position as a starting point for any discussions, but we would like to hear about the plans you are advocating, and we are keen to see if there is scope to find common ground between our respective proposals and to work together to break the impasse."

Press Association