Brexit latest: Jean-Claude Juncker says 'no renegotiation on deal' as Theresa May arrives in the Hague

Theresa May greets Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in the Hague (Picture: AP)

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker today said that Theresa May's Brexit Withdrawal Agreement is the "best deal possible" and the "only deal possible", with "no room whatsoever for renegotiation".

Mr Juncker's remark came as the Prime Minister arrived in the Hague for further talks with EU leaders including Angela Merkel.

Mr Juncker said: "I will see Mrs May this evening and I have to say here in the Parliament, as I did say before in this Parliament, the deal we have achieved is the best deal possible - it is the only deal possible."

MEPs applauded as Mr Juncker said: "There is no room whatsoever for renegotiation, but of course there is room if used intelligently, there is room enough to give further clarifications and further interpretations without opening the Withdrawal Agreement.

Brexit embrace: Mrs May and Mark Rutte (AP)

"This will not happen: everyone has to note that the Withdrawal Agreement will not be reopened."

He said earlier that Brexit was a "surprise guest" at the European Council, adding: "I'm surprised because we had reached an agreement on the 25th November together with the Government of the United Kingdom.

Theresa May is to meet with Angela Merkel later for further talks (REUTERS)

"Notwithstanding that, it would appear that there are problems right at the end of the road."

Mr Juncker said the Irish backstop was the "big problem", explaining: "We have a common determination to do everything to be not in the situation one day to use that backstop.

Mr Juncker delivered a speech in Strasbourg yesterday (EPA)

"But we have to prepare: it's necessary for the entire coherence of what we have agreed with Britain and it is necessary for Ireland.

"Ireland will never be left alone."

Mrs May met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and is due to hold Brexit 'crisis talks' later with Angela Merkel ahead of a crunch EU summit later this week.

Yesterday Mrs May abandoned plans for a Commons vote on her Brexit deal due to a lack of support.

Downing Street was unable to give any indication of when the vote will now be held. It said the date would depend on how quickly Mrs May is able to secure the assurances which will satisfy MPs.

The Prime Minister’s planned talks with Mrs Merkel and Mr Rutte on Tuesday mean the usual Cabinet meeting will be held later in the week.