Brexit news: Tom Watson defies Jeremy Corbyn over second referendum as Macron issues fresh attack on Brexiteers

Theresa May has returned to London after a tumultuous summit in Brussels, where she is expected to spend the day at Downing Street hammering out her strategy for next week, writes political correspondent Lizzy Buchan.

The prime minister’s spokesman was clear that she would only bring her deal back to the Commons for a third meaningful vote when there was a “realistic prospect of success” but it is understood that No10 is gearing up to bring the vote back on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Peers and MPs must pass legislation to change the date of Brexit by Friday, in order to prevent the UK crashing out of the bloc without a deal.

The PM’s spokesman told a regular Westminster briefing that it was up to Commons Speaker John Bercow whether he will allow a further vote – after Mr Bercow ruled the PM could not bring back the deal without substantial changes.

But he added: “There is now European Council approval of the legally binding assurances she negotiated with President Juncker in Strasbourg.

“One should give extra assurance to parliament in the event the backstop is ever used that it will only be temporary.

“The second aspect that the UK and the EU will begin work immediately to replace the backstop with alternative arrangements by the end of 2020. I would point to those as significant issues.”