BREXIT BREAKDOWN
Theresa May’s Brexit talks with Jeremy Corbyn collapse as Labour claims PM is refusing to rewrite exit deal
The Tories and Labour were locked in talks over Brexit for three days
THERESA May's Brexit talks with Jeremy Corbyn collapsed this evening after Labour claimed the PM refused to change her deal.
Labour have pulled out of negotiations designed to hammer out a compromise.
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They are refusing to come back to the table unless the Tories agree Britain should stay in the EU customs union after Brexit, The Sun understands.
That would breach one of Mrs May's biggest red lines - and enrage Tory MPs because it would stop Britain striking its own trade deals.
The collapse of talks could undermine the PM's chances of securing a Brexit delay from Brussels because EU leaders insist she must present a plan for how to use the extra time.
The Government has held three days of negotiations with Mr Corbyn's top team in order to get a deal which can make it through the Commons next week.
This morning Mrs May's aides presented Labour with a document setting out No10's position.
So far, the Government isn't proposing any changes to the deal
Keir Starmer
But this evening, Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer claimed the PM did not offer any concrete changes to the existing deal.
Instead, she promised to draw up a separate memorandum guaranteeing workers' rights after Brexit.
Sir Keir said: "We have had two rounds of talks - so far, the Government isn't proposing any changes to the deal.
"In particular it's not countenancing any changes to the actual wording of the political declaration.
"We want the talks to continue, and we have written in those terms to the Government, but we do need change if we're going to compromise.
"There's a duty to try and break the deadlock and we are continuing in that spirit."
CUSTOMS CHOKEPOINT
A Labour source said the party wouldn't sign off any deal without Mrs May committing to a customs union - and would boycott further talks if the Government doesn't soften its position.
The PM has repeatedly ruled out staying in the customs union in the past, because it would prevent the UK from having an independent trade policy after Brexit.
Responding to Labour's comments, a Downing Street spokesman said: "We have made serious proposals in talks this week, and are prepared to pursue changes to the political declaration in order to deliver a deal that is acceptable to both sides.
"We are ready to hold further detailed discussions this weekend in order to seek any such changes in the run up to European Council on Wednesday.
"The Government is determined to work constructively to deliver the Brexit people voted for, and avoid participation in the European Parliamentary elections."
Tory MPs feared Mrs May was on the verge of selling them out by committing to the policy in a desperate bid to avoid a months-long delay.
Prisons Minister Rory Stewart told BBC Radio 4's PM there was "quite a lot of life" left in the process of talks with Labour.
"I know that there are going to be tensions," he said, but added: "In truth the positions of the two parties are very, very close and where there's good will it should be possible to get this done and get it done relatively quickly."
He insisted that "of course we are prepared to compromise" on the political declaration.
Remainers today blasted the PM for refusing to change her position - Labour's Chris Bryant quipped: "What is it that the PM doesn't understand about negotiation? Oh yes, compromise."
What does this mean for May's Brexit plan?
IT took three years for Theresa May to reach out to Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit - but only three days for her efforts to fail.
The PM wanted to reach a compromise deal with Labour which she could push through the Commons next week.
But she knew that signing up to the EU customs union - Mr Corbyn's main demand - would open up bitter splits in the Tories.
The breakdown of talks tonight suggests the chances of a compromise are now slim, with neither side willing to breach its red lines.
Instead, Mrs May could bring her existing deal back to Parliament on Tuesday - hoping that Brexiteers will finally give in and back the withdrawal agreement.
She may even pit it directly against Labour's customs union plan in a bid to emphasise the dangers of failing to back her deal.
The collapse of the negotations could also undermine Mrs May's request for a three-month Brexit delay.
European leaders have warned they may veto any further extension if there aren't any political developments in Westminster.
But ironically, that could end up helping the PM - because if forced to choose between her deal or No Deal, a majority of MPs are likely to reluctantly back her.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
And Nicola Sturgeon added: "It is a bizarre approach from someone who made great play of wanting to find consensus - and has just wasted yet more time."
Mrs May first announced the talks with Mr Corbyn on Tuesday night, saying she was keen to find a cross-party compromise on Brexit.
But The Sun revealed earlier this week that the PM was planning to win Labour round to her existing deal rather than signing up to the customs union.
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PM Theresa May to delay Brexit again as she asks Jeremy Corbyn to help her hammer out softer EU exit deal
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