Theresa May warns MPs on Brexit

Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday published further assurances from the EU on the eve of a crucial parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, and warned MPs that rejecting it would lead to “paralysis” that could see Britain stay in the bloc. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk repeated in a letter that they would not reopen the divorce deal, but said they could offer clarifications with “legal value” on a controversial clause on Ireland.

In a speech shortly afterwards in Stoke, a Brexit-backing city in central England, May admitted their offer fell short of what she wanted.

But she said: “I’m convinced that MPs now have the clearest assurances that this is the best deal possible and is worthy of their support.” May repeated that the only way to avoid “no deal” was to support her agreement.