Brexit: Jeremy Corbyn says election 'only way to heal deep divisions' caused by EU referendum vote

Jeremy Corbyn will say a general election is the only way to heal the deep divisions caused by Brexit, in a speech where he will insist Labour could negotiate "a better deal" with the EU.

The Labour leader will step up pressure on Theresa May to call an election to break the Brexit deadlock and declare that “the real divide is between the many, who do the work, create the wealth and pay taxes, and the few, who set the rules, reap the rewards and so often dodge taxes”.

In a speech in Wakefield on Thursday, Mr Corbyn will say that a new government would be able to return to Brussels to negotiate a better deal and win support in parliament and in the country.

He is also due to restate Labour's vow to oppose the prime minister Brexit deal in a Commons showdown next week, where Ms May is facing a defeat at the hands of her own backbenchers.

His comments come amid ongoing turmoil over Labour's Brexit policy, as Mr Corbyn's spokesman admitted that Labour party members could force Mr Corbyn to dump his plan to push through Brexit if there is a snap election.

It also comes after shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer suggested extending Article 50 "may well be inevitable now".

Mr Corbyn was expected to say: “If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity.

"A government that cannot get its business through the House of Commons is no government at all.

"So I say to Theresa May: if you are so confident in your deal, call that election, and let the people decide.

“To break the deadlock an election is not only the most practical option, it is also the most democratic option.

"It would give the winning party a renewed mandate to negotiate a better deal for Britain and secure support for it in parliament and across the country."

Speaking to an audience of workers and party faithful, Mr Corbyn will say that the real divide is between the wealthy few and the general public rather than those who voted Leave and Remain.

“People across the country, whether they voted Leave or Remain, both know that the system isn't working for them," he was due to say.

"Some see the European Union as a defence against insecurity and hostility. Others see the European Union as part of an establishment that plunged them into insecurity and hostility in the first place.

“But it’s the failed system rigged against the many to protect the interests of the few that is the real cause of inequality and insecurity, whether in Tottenham or Mansfield.

"And the real solution is to transform Britain to work in the interests of the vast majority, by challenging the entrenched power of a privileged elite. That is how we can help to heal the referendum’s deep divisions.”

It comes as Ms May's Brexit plans were dealt a major blow after​ MPs backed an amendment ordered her to return to the Commons with a new Brexit plan within three days if it is defeated in next week's crunch vote.