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As it happenedended

Brexit today - as it happened: Theresa May questioned on the latest EU negotiating position in the Commons

Follow all the latest updates from Westminster here

Ashley Cowburn
Political Correspondent
Monday 18 December 2017 04:47 EST
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Theresa May arrives for the European Union summit in Brussels
Theresa May arrives for the European Union summit in Brussels (Reuters)

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Theresa May has met her most senior ministers in Cabinet to discuss - for the first time - what kind of trade deal the UK should pursue with the EU after Brexit.

The Prime Minister also addressed the House of Commons, telling MPs she will attempt to finalise free trade deals with countries outside the bloc “where possible” - setting her on collision course with Brussels.

But she was urged by the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to "face down" Cabinet ministers who want to scrap EU regulations which limit the working week.

He asked the Prime Minister to "categorically" offer assurances over her intent to maintain the standards of the Working Time Directive during any transition period and beyond. Ms May, replying after updating MPs, reiterated the Government intends to "enhance" workers' rights.

It comes after Stefaan De Rynck, an adviser to the EU’s top Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, told an audience in London that the post-withdrawal transition period is “not a given” as he highlighted tensions between London and Brussels.

Mr De Rynck said the EU's goal was to have a fully-written withdrawal treaty ready for ratification by October next year, but stressed many issues needed to be worked out in the tight timeframe and that Britain would not be allowed to pick and choose a “buffet” option.

This liveblog is now closed but you can see all of Monday's developments below.

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 16:43

On intimidation of MPs in the Commons,  May said: "We are dealing with questions of great significance to our country's future so it's natural there are many strongly-held views on all sides of the chamber.

"And it is right and proper that we should debate them and do so with all the passion and conviction that makes our democracy what it is.

"But there can never be a place for the threats of violence and intimidation against some members that we have seen in recent days.

"Our politics must be better than that."

Mr Corbyn then accused the Daily Mail of "whipping up hatred" against rebel Tory MPs, adding: "Threats and intimidation have no place in our politics.

"And the truth of it is, it's division and infighting in her own Cabinet and their reliance on the DUP that makes them weak."

Mrs May replied: "May I welcome the fact that the Leader of the Opposition has said that threats of intimidation should not form part of our political life.

"I agree with him but it will come as a bit rich to those of my colleagues who were candidates in the general election who suffered from the Labour Party."

Ashley Cowburn18 December 2017 16:51

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