The government has hit back at EU claims that it has not put forward a fresh Brexit plan, with just days left to secure changes to the Irish backstop ahead of crunch votes next week.
Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, insisted the UK had put forward proposals that were “clear as day”.
It came after French foreign minister Nathalie Loiseau and Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar both claimed the UK was yet to put forward a new proposal.
MPs will vote again on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week, with new concessions on the backstop seen as crucial to securing Tory MPs’ backing for the plan.
As it happened...
He said:
"I will continue to reach out to get a decent Brexit deal so our country can spend more time talking about our children's future than a customs union.
"Labour respects the result of the referendum and a close economic relationship is the best Brexit compromise for both 17 million Leave voters and 16 million Remain voters.
"But we can't accept a damaging Tory Brexit or a no deal outcome, so we also support preparing for a public vote in case parliament is not able to achieve a sensible Brexit.
"We will do whatever we can to find a solution that can unite the country so, together, we can face down the real challenges and seize the opportunities in this moment of great change."
Philip Hammond dangles promise of cash injection for public services if MPs back Theresa May's Brexit deal
Chancellor also publicly rejected calls for an emergency fund to deal with knife violence
EU negotiators give UK 48-hour deadline to come up with new Brexit plan for Irish backstop
French Europe minister insists no details legal proposals have yet been presented by the UK
Labour to be investigated over antisemitism by equality watchdog
The equality watchdog will probe whether Labour has "unlawfully discriminated" against the Jewish community in the wake of antisemitism row that has engulfed the party.A spokesperson for the Equalities and Human Rights Commission said:
“We believe Labour may have unlawfully discriminated against people because of their ethnicity and religious beliefs. Our concerns are sufficient for us to consider using our statutory enforcement powers. As set out in our enforcement policy, we are now engaging with the Labour Party to give them an opportunity to respond.”
"We are discussing detailed, coherent, careful proposals. We are discussing texts with the European Union. I am surprised to hear the comments that have emerged over the last 48 hours that the proposals are not clear. They are as clear as day and we are continuing to discuss them."
“We completely reject any suggestion the party has acted unlawfully and will be cooperating fully with the EHRC.Labour is fully committed to the support, defence and celebration of the Jewish community and its organisations."
Antisemitism complaints received since April 2018 relate to about 0.1 per cent of our membership, but one antisemite in our party is one too many. We are determined to tackle antisemitism and root it out of our party."
Theresa May urged to safeguard emergency food supplies in no-deal Brexit
Leaders of 15 charitable organisations have written to the prime minister calling for a 'hardship fund'
Opinion: The knife crime crisis could put Labour in power as the impact of Tory austerity is laid bare
Knife crime has been evident for over a year but has now hit the front pages after the killings of two 17-year-olds in London and Cheshire. It’s a big threat to Theresa May’s legacy"This is a devastating indictment on the Labour Party. Decent members will be horrified that we have got into this position.
"However, after three years of appalling incidents of antisemitism, from a small number of racists within our ranks which the leadership failed to tackle, this is a necessary step.
"I welcome the EHRC intervention but today is another dark day in the history of our party which could and should have been avoided if concerns raised had been heeded last year."
She said in a statement:
"Yesterday I made comments regarding the actions of soldiers during the Troubles. I want to apologise. I am profoundly sorry for the offence and hurt that my words have caused. The language was wrong and even though this was not my intention, it was deeply insensitive to many of those who lost loved ones.
"I know from those families that I have met personally just how raw their pain is and I completely understand why they want to see justice properly delivered. I share that aim and that is why I launched the public consultation on addressing the legacy of the Troubles.
"My position and the position of this government is clear. We believe fundamentally in the rule of law. Where there is any evidence of wrongdoing this should be pursued without fear or favour whoever the perpetrators might be. That is a principle that underpins our approach to dealing with legacy issues and it is one from which we will not depart."
Northern Ireland's former police ombudsman, Baroness Nuala O'Loan, called on Theresa May to sack the minister, saying she had showed a "total disregard for the rule of law" and "a total lack of understanding about Northern Ireland and utter contempt for those who suffered the loss of loved ones."
She said Ms Bradley had "demonstrated yet again that she is not fit to be the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland".
