Theresa May to set out ‘new’ Brexit deal in speech this afternoon

Theresa May will unveil a “new” Brexit deal on Tuesday afternoon in a public plea for MPs to support her plan for leaving the EU.

The Prime Minister will use a speech at 4pm to set out what will be in the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB), set to be voted on by MPs in two weeks time.

It will be the fourth time the PM has tried to get her deal through parliament.

May’s Official Spokesman revealed that at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, ministers discussed a range of changes to the WAB which could win support in the Commons.

“The discussions included alternative arrangements, workers’ rights, environmental protections and further assurances on protecting the integrity of the UK in the unlikely event that the backstop is required,” he said.

The talks came in the wake of Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom suggesting she may not back the WAB if any changes keep the UK too aligned to Brussels’ rules and regulations.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the cabinet meeting, Leadsom – one of the leading Leave figures in the 2016 referendum – said: "Absolutely key for me is that it does deliver Brexit. I will back something that remains Brexit."

She added: "I continue to support the Prime Minister to get her Withdrawal Agreement Bill through.

“It is leaving the EU and so long as it continues to be leaving the European Union I continue to support it.

During the cabinet meeting, May insisted that her plan would deliver Brexit, telling her ministers: “The Withdrawal Agreement Bill is the vehicle which gets the UK out of the European Union. It is vital to find a way to get it over the line.”