BREXIT LIVE: May CLINGS ON to No10 after backbench MPs REFUSE rule change to oust PM

Members of the influential Tory backbench 1922 Committee held talks in Westminster as pressure grows on the Prime Minister to set a date for her departure. Ahead of a first round of talks on Tuesday, committee chairman Sir Graham Brady met privately with Mrs May and reportedly told her MPs want to announce when she is planning to resign. Under current party rules, MPs cannot mount a fresh leadership challenge until 12 months after last December's failed attempt.

Mrs May saw off a bid to remove her by a margin of 200-117 in a vote of Tory MPs on December 12 2018.

Rules on whether to allow another leadership challenge as early as June will not be rewritten, but the 1922 Committee has called for Mrs May to provide a clear schedule for her departure if her Brexit deal continues to be rejected.

The chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, said: "The decision was first of all that we determined there should not be a rule change to remove the 12-month period of grace during which a second confidence vote cannot be held.

"We further determined that we should remind colleagues that it is always available to them to write to me as chairman of the 1922 Committee raising concerns or setting out their thoughts, including concerns about the leadership of the party, and that the strength of opinion would be communicated by me to the leader of the party should they decide to do so.

"Thirdly, we determined that following the Prime Minister's decision a few weeks ago to set out a clear schedule for departure as leader of the party in the event of the Withdrawal Agreement being passed, we would seek similar clarity from her in other circumstances."

He added: "I think the 1922 executive is asking on behalf of the Conservative Party in Parliament that we should have a clear roadmap forward."

One member of the executive, joint executive secretary Nigel Evans, has called publicly for Mrs May to go "as soon as possible".

Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith told talkRADIO: "I think it’s inconceivable that the Prime Minister would go on beyond the beginning of the summer break.

“It’s just not feasible, because there is a window for a future leader and that is in the summer."

But Richard Harrington, who quit as business minister to block a no deal Brexit, warned a leadership challenge would be “disastrous”.

He told the BBC today programme: "Given that Theresa May has already said she is going to leave, the question comes back to the Brexit question.

"I really believe at the moment for this phase of it, where Parliament has to decide what it wants to do in weeks, a leadership election would be disastrous not just for the Conservative party but for the whole country."

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10.34pm update: Adonis ‘deeply sorry’ for telling Brexit supporters not to vote Labour

Labour peer Lord Adonis has apologised for saying Brexit supporters should not vote for the party.

The People’s Vote campaigner came in for heavy criticism after his comments were highlighted by the newly-launched Brexit Party on social media.

In a post on Facebook, Lord Adonis said he was "deeply sorry for the off-the-cuff comments" and urged all voters to back Labour in next month's European elections poll.

He wrote: "Labour has always been clear that it respects the result of the referendum.

“What we do not respect is the way the Conservatives have sought to use Brexit to create a more unequal economy and a harsher society.

"That is why Labour has put forward a sensible alternative plan that would ensure a close economic relationship with the EU after Brexit, based on a new customs union and dynamic alignment on rights and standards.

"If such a plan cannot be secured due to the Government's infighting and irresponsibility, we believe all options should remain on the table, including the option of a public vote."

9.55pm update: Brexit COMPROMISE? May wants customs union ‘arrangement’ with Labour as talks resume

Theresa May is aiming to strike a compromise with Labour that would make a customs union arrangement with the European Union part of the UK’s future relationship with the bloc.

The Prime Minister has always ruled out a full customs union with Brussels as it would prevent the UK from fully being able to strike its own trade deals with other countries.

But in talks with the opposition, Labour has insisted on a customs union, and recently Theresa May has started to lower her guard on this matter, hinting the two parties might be able to find a compromise.

Standing in for her during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons earlier today, de facto deputy David Lidington hinted at further movement on the issue.

The Prime Minister has always ruled out a full customs union with Brussels as it would prevent the UK from fully being able to strike its own trade deals with other countries.

But in talks with the opposition, Labour has insisted on a customs union, and recently Mrs May has started to lower her guard on this matter, hinting the two parties might be able to find a compromise.

Standing in for her during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons earlier today, de facto deputy David Lidington hinted at further movement on the issue.

9.01pm update: Sky News presenter DISMANTLES Lord Adonis' second referendum pleas with TWO brutal points

Adam Boulton quizzed Labour MP Lord Adonis on whether he could promise two things to Remain supporters that are “not official Labour policy”.

The Sky News presenter lashed out at Lord Adonis for standing for the Labour Party, but backing two Brexit issues that are “not official Labour policy”.

He specifically referred to Lord Adonis supporting remaining in the European Union, and a second referendum on Brexit.

Mr Boulton pointed out: “You have got your red rose tie on, you are standing for Labour. But there are two things that you want which are not official Labour policy.

One is remain in the European Union and the other one is to have a referendum about that, a People’s Vote.”

Lord Adonis said: “Well Labour voted with Jeremy Corbyn in the lead. We voted on April 1 for there to be - “

Mr Boulton interjected: “Well you wanted to remain first didn’t you?”

Lord Adonis replied: “We voted for there to be a confirmatory ballot on any Brexit deal in this Parliament.

“So at the moment there is not a majority for a deal, but if there is a majority for a deal that goes through there should be a confirmatory vote on that.”

8.03pm update: Holding European elections will further damage ‘pretty shaky’ trust in politics, warns peer

Lord Robathan said people would "at the very least be astonished” if the UK pressed ahead with the polls next month.

He told peers in Westminster: "It remains the Government's intention to leave the EU with a deal before May 23 so that we do not need to participate in European parliamentary elections.

"However, we have taken the necessary steps required by law should we have to participate, and we have provided the necessary legislation for returning officers to hold potential European parliamentary elections on May 23."

But pressing the Government, Lord Robathan said: "Whatever position people took in the referendum and have taken since, surely the people of this country will at the very least be astonished if we fight these elections.

"Our friends in Europe and elsewhere are already pretty bemused.

"Should it come to pass that we fight these elections, the trust in Parliament and politicians that is already pretty shaky will be further harmed, so will he consider what action the Government can take to bolster that trust before it completely disappears?"

7.53pm update: US-UK trade deal ‘much more difficult’ with a customs union

Negotiating a trade deal after Brexit would be incredibly difficult if the UK is in a customs union with the EU, the US Ambassador to the UK has warned.

Woody Johnson said it would be “more challenging” for the UK “to get control of its own trade policy”, but added President Donald Trump is still hopeful of doing a “robust, big, very generous trade deal”.

He told the BBC: “It is going to be more challenging to get control of your own trade policy if you are still in the European Union as you are now.

“It is going to be much more difficult, not just with the United States, but with other countries around the world.”

7.34pm update: May’s popularity plummets to RECORD LOW among Tory members

The Prime Minister’s popularity among MPs in her party has fallen to a record low, a poll of Tory supporters by ConservativeHome has revealed.

Mrs May’s approval rating has dropped by more than 20 points in a month to -73.5, making her the least popular member of the Cabinet.

Brexiteer Andrea Leadsom is the most popular on +40.6, followed by Liz Truss, Jeremy Hunt and Scottish leader Ruth Davidson.

7.18pm update: Boris Johnson’s rivals trying to DESTROY Tory leadership bid by KEEPING May in power

Boris Johnson’s rivals are desperately trying to keep Theresa May in power for as long as possible - because it is the only way to destroy his bid to become Conservative Party leader, insiders have claimed.

The former Foreign Secretary is surging ahead in the popularity stakes in the race to become the next Prime Minister.

In a further blow to Mrs May, several Brexiteers today sought to change the party's rules to enable MPs to force her out within a matter of weeks.

However, the executive of the 1922 committee rejected the rule change but indicated they want a clearer timetable for her departure.

Ahead of the meeting, opponents of Mr Johnson believe his chances of succeeding Mrs May would suffer if a leadership contest is delayed until after her Brexit deal is voted through the House of Commons by MPs.

One told The Times: “We would have seen peak Boris at that point,” adding his popularity would plummet because his most distinctive selling point is a promise of a harder Brexit.

6.26pm update: Police call for new powers to deal with protests

A Senior Scotland Yard officer has warned police need new powers to deal with protests such as those taking place around Brexit.

Commander Adrian Usher, head of the Metropolitan Police’s protection command, told the parliamentary Human Rifhts Committee said it should not be enough for a protest to be "peaceful" to be considered lawful.

He said: "All of our minds are focused currently on protest both in terms of recent events connected with Brexit and of course the climate change protests that are being conducted at the moment," he said.

"We need to move away from the language of talking about peaceful protest to talk about lawful protest.

"A protest being peaceful is only one of the attributes that the police would say are a sign to a protest that make it lawful.

"We will conduct a sober review of our tactics against recent protests, but I think it is likely to say the legislation associated with policing protest is quite dated and that policing and protest has moved on and that legislation should follow suit."

6.07pm update: Widdecombe EXPELLED from Tories over decision to stand for Brexit Party

Ann Widdecombe revealed she had been expelled form the Conservative Party over her decision to stand for Nigel Farage’s new Brexit Party in the European elections.

The former Shadow Home Secretary released a letter from party Director General Alan Mabbutt informing her of the expulsion.

In the letter, Mr Mabbutt said: "All party members are expected to fully support the party in all elections, and your candidacy for another political party is obviously in contention with this principle of membership."

He said he was “disappointed” with Ms Widdecombe’s decision, adding: "Your decades of support and work for the Conservative Party have been incredibly valuable and it is always sad to see someone of such long-standing membership leave us.

5.43pm update: Tories WON’T change rules to oust May

The influential Tory backbench 1922 Committee has refused to change a rule that could have seen Theresa May face a leadership challenge as early as June.

Under current party rules, MPs cannot mount a fresh leadership challenge until 12 months after last December's failed attempt.

But the committee has demanded a car timetable for when the Prime Minister will resign if her Brexit deal is rejected again by Parliament.

The chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, said: "The decision was first of all that we determined there should not be a rule change to remove the 12-month period of grace during which a second confidence vote cannot be held.

"We further determined that we should remind colleagues that it is always available to them to write to me as chairman of the 1922 Committee raising concerns or setting out their thoughts, including concerns about the leadership of the party, and that the strength of opinion would be communicated by me to the leader of the party should they decide to do so.

"Thirdly, we determined that following the Prime Minister's decision a few weeks ago to set out a clear schedule for departure as leader of the party in the event of the Withdrawal Agreement being passed, we would seek similar clarity from her in other circumstances."

He added: "I think the 1922 executive is asking on behalf of the Conservative Party in Parliament that we should have a clear roadmap forward."

3.56pm update: ‘She hasn’t been strong enough’ Senior Tory tells May to QUIT

Theresa May has come under renewed pressure to quit after a senior Conservative MP accused her of not being “strong enough”.

Pauline Latham, an executive member of the backbench 1922 Committee, told Talk Radio: “I would like Theresa May to go. I would like us to have a new leader who could have another look at this whole process and actually negotiate with Brussels.

“I don’t think Theresa May has been strong enough. “She hasn’t been strong enough for, not just the Conservative party, but for the rest of the Commons.”

It is the latest blow for Mrs May, after Conservative MP Nigel Mills told the Evening Standard there is “no confidence left that the Prime Minister can deliver Brexit and in reality the Government can’t command a majority in Parliament, it’s time for change as soon as possible”.

3.50pm update: SNP names candidates for European elections

The party has announced its six candidates for the European elections: MEP Alyn Smith, Christian Allard, former environment minister Aileen McLeod, ex-Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP Margaret Ferrier, Scottish Borders councillor Heather Anderson, and SNP national executive committee member Alex Kerr.

Parties rank their preferred six candidates, with the number elected proportional to the share of votes received.

"With the Westminster parties making a mess of Brexit, the European elections are Scotland's chance to shine.

"Scotland is being dragged out of the European Union against our will. All our efforts to be heard on Brexit have been met with a brick wall.

"The people of Scotland have been ignored, the Scottish Parliament has been ignored. And, when the Scottish Government offered compromise, it was ignored too. Enough is enough.

"We need to send a clear message that we will not accept a Brexit process that silences Scotland, treats our Parliament and Government with contempt and fails to represent the interests of people in Scotland.

"And we need to take this opportunity to prove that Scotland wants something different from all this chaos - a seat and a voice at Europe's top table.

"Only the SNP will champion Scotland's place in Europe, and will make sure that Scotland's voice is heard loud and clear."

3.35pm update: Why Germany could follow UK out of Europe - with FATAL consequences for bloc

Germany may follow Britain’s lead by quitting the EU as a result of ongoing disillusions with its benefits, a decision which could have fatal consequences for the bloc, an economist has warned.

Writing for the website of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), the organisation’s President Marcel Fratzscher admitted the stated aim of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party of achieving what he termed “Dexit” within five years seemed absurd. 

However, he added: “A Dexit and even a collapse of the European Union is not as unlikely, especially if Germany does not learn the right lessons from Brexit.

“Hardly anyone thought Brexit was possibility five years ago. Great Britain has benefited greatly from its EU membership.

“It had prevented a collapse of the British industry and the decline of agriculture in the 1970s and 1980s. Only through EU membership could the City of London become Europe's only global financial centre.

“Hardly any other country has benefited economically as much from immigration from the EU as Great Britain.

“Despite these many advantages, Britain has never really been able to identify with Europe.”

3.29pm update: European elections POLL: Who will you vote for in the EU elections? VOTE HERE

Britain is on course to take part in May’s European Elections with Change UK and the Brexit Party launching their election campaigns yesterday. Express.co.uk is asking who you will vote for in the EU elections 2019?

With no sign of Theresa May putting forward a Brexit withdrawal agreement MPs will agree on, the UK is in danger of having to take part in the European elections, which take place on May 23.

With a new Brexit date set for October 31, the UK will have to take part in the vote unless MPs agree on a deal before the day of the elections.

With Britain’s exit from the EU imminent, many will be deciding who to vote for in the EU elections 2019.

Britons can head to the polls on May 23 to vote for the party and MEPs they wish to represent the UK in the European Parliament.

With new parties out in full force on the campaign trail on Tuesday, seizing on the Brexit uncertainty, Express.co.uk is asking you who you will vote for on May 23.

3.22pm update: Hammond warns Brexit deadlock could dely Government's three-year spending review

Chancellor Philip Hammond said the spending review would have to begin before MPs broke for the summer if it was to be concluded before the end of the year. 

He told the Commons Treasury Committee: "We will keep an open mind as to how the process should unfold as we go through the next few months," he said.

"If we are going to a full three-year spending review we need to formally start the process before the summer recess, carry it on through the summer and bring it to a conclusion around the time of the Autumn Budget.

"My own view at the moment is that if we have not clearly found a solution to the Brexit conundrum and we are on our way to delivering an outcome, it probably would not be appropriate to go ahead with the three-year spending review.

"That is a decision we will consider more carefully and make in final form in coming months."

3.13pm update: Shadow Housing Minister denies Labour is party of Remain

Labour MP John Healey told the BBC Today programme: "No, the way to characterise our party is as it has been since the referendum and general election, as respecting the result of the referendum.

"The Labour position has not changed - we want a better Brexit than the Government has been able to negotiate, one that can command support across Parliament and be negotiated with the EU.

"Really the onus is on the Government now to take these discussions with us seriously.

"Let's get a deal in place that allows Britain to leave the EU with a decent deal in place - it can be done, but only if the Government is willing to move."

Paul Withers taking over from Simon Osbourne.

2.55pm update: Lib Dem hopeful loses court bid to be first choice candidate

A Liberal Democrat Euro-election candidate has lost a High Court bid0 to be made one of the party's first-choice candidates.

Dinesh Dhamija, 69, is the second-placed candidate on the Lib Dems' party list for the London region for elections to the European Parliament, which are due to take place on May 23.

Mr Dhamija claims the party's decision to drop "positive measures" to promote the selection of candidates from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds unfairly cost him the top spot on the London list.

Mr Justice Waksman dismissed Mr Dhamija's claim, ruling that the selection protocol which would have promoted a BAME candidate to the top of the London list was unlawful.

He granted Mr Dhamija permission to appeal against his decision.

1.44pm update: Sturgeon calls for Scottish independence referendum

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland should hold an independence referendum before the current Scottish parliamentary term ends in May 2021.

She told MSPs in Holyrood: "A choice between Brexit and a future for Scotland as an independent European nation should be offered in the lifetime of this parliament.”

She said she would prepare legislation before the end of 2019 for this to happen.

Scotland rejected independence by 10 percentage points in the 2014 referendum.

1.33pm update: Sturgeon claims Brexit will reverse devolution

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has claimed devolution could go into reverse because of Brexit.

The SNP leader told MSPs: "At a time when I think most people in Scotland would want to see this Parliament having more influence on the decisions that shape our future, there is a risk of the reverse.

"As the UK scrambles to do trade deals with Donald Trump or whoever, the inclination to impose uniformity in devolved areas will lead to more Westminster centralisation.

"It is my judgment now, that for the first time in 20 years, there is a risk of devolution going backwards."

"A choice between Brexit and a future for Scotland as an independent European nation should be offered in the lifetime of this parliament.”

12.30pm update: Tories and Labour in "genuine attempt" to end Brexit deadlock

Theresa May's deputy has insisted the Tories and Labour are making a "genuine attempt" to find a Brexit solution but warned compromises were needed from both sides.

Cabinet Office minister David Lidington said cross-party talks between negotiating teams had been "constructive" although they had yet to find an option which would attract majority support in the Commons.

Labour's Emily Thornberry had raised concerns over the Government's attempts to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland, and insisted the option of a customs union must be put on the table to deal with it.

The shadow foreign secretary also highlighted warnings from US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi that a US-UK trade agreement would not happen if Brexit undermined the open border, before claiming US president Donald Trump's state visit risked being a "giant waste of taxpayers' cash".

Mr Lidington and Ms Thornberry deputised at Prime Minister's Questions as Mrs May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both travelled to Belfast for the funeral of murdered journalist Lyra McKee.

11.28am update: Labour warns of deadlock in cross-party talks

Labour has accused Theresa May of failing to offer any substantive changes to her Brexit deal in cross-party talks.

Negotiations between a team of ministers and shadow ministers got under way again today after the Easter break but Labour sources accused the Government team of being unwilling to make changes to the political declaration setting out Britain’s future relationship with the EU.

One Labour source said ministers involved in the talks appeared to be less engaged than in recent meetings and suggested the Government had been distracted by the latest attempt to oust Mrs May.

11.12am update: Hancock warns ditching May will not solve Brexit

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has insisted changing the Prime Minister would not resolve the deadlock over Brexit.

He told a TaxPayers’ Alliance event: “Changing the Prime Minister will not change what we need to do to deliver Brexit.

“I think we should get on and deliver Brexit and I voted for that many times.

“I hope the House of Commons will come to a majority to be able to deliver the result on the referendum.”

10.44am update: Annunziata Rees-Mogg accuses May of riding “roughshod” over democracy

Brexit Party hopeful Annunziata Rees-Mogg has accused Theresa May of being “hellbent on riding roughshod” over democracy.

Ms Rees-Mogg, who left the Conservative Party to join Nigel Farage’s new movement, said said she could not longer support the Tories under Mrs May.

Writing in the BrexitCentral website she said: “Many Conservative friends – Leavers and Remainers who believe in democracy – have supported my decision to join the Brexit Party and stand in next month’s European Parliament election.

“Dozens have pledged to vote for me, despite maintaining their membership in order to have a vote for the next leader.

“The extraordinary success of the Brexit Party – for which I will be fighting the East Midlands where I live – is a demonstration of just how much disillusionment in Westminster politics there is.

“No new party has ever previously topped the polls within a week of launching. As one neighbour said to me: ‘Thank you for standing here, I voted Leave but I’ve been made politically homeless’.”

10.07am: May and Corbyn to attend journalist’s funeral

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn will miss Prime Minister’s Questions to attend the Belfast funeral of murdered journalist Lyra McKee.

Ms McKee was shot dead as she observed clashes between police and New IRA dissidents on the Creggan estate in Londonderry on April 18.

Her family has paid tribute to her as "a best friend and confidante".

The 29-year-old's funeral will take place in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, at 1pm on Wednesday, and she will later be laid to rest in Carnmoney cemetery.

Mrs May’s office confirmed she will miss PMQs to attend and will be replaced at the Despatch Box by David Liddington.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry will standing in for Mr Corbyn .

9.55am update: May’s approval ratings slump to record low

A new survey on the ConservativeHome website puts her approval ratings amongst Tory Party members at a record low.

Before the House rose for an 11-day Easter recess, Mrs May told MPs they should use the holiday to consider their “national duty” and reflect on how they might find a solution to the Brexit impasse.

But Tory MPs appear instead to have been reflecting on what they can do to get rid of her.

9.33am update: Farage to address Brexit Party rally

Nigel Farage is gearing up for his next Brexit Party rally in Clacton-on-Sea.

The Essex seaside town was once home to Ukip’s only MP when Tory Douglas Carswell jumped ship to join Mr Farge.

The two men fell out after Mr Carswell was re-elected in 2015 and he eventually left the party to sit in the House of Commons as an independent.

Mr Farage still sees Clacton as an area with residual support for his vision of Brexit, and will be addressing the rally in front of the town’s Pier at 12.30pm.

9.03am update: Top Tories order May to end ‘damaging’ talks with Corbyn

Theresa May is under pressure to abandon “damaging” talks with the Labour Party “immediately” to focus on getting her Brexit deal through the House of Commons.

The Prime Minister has been urged by senior Tories, including Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Trade Secretary Liam Fox, to end talks over concerns they are “damaging” the Government.

The revelation comes after Mrs May accused Labour of dragging its feet over cross-party Brexit talks as discussions resumed following an 11-day Easter break.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Jeremy Corbyn's party was approaching the talks in a "serious" way but said they had hit difficulties over timetabling, with Tories pressing for greater urgency.

With Tory MPs openly calling for Mrs May to name a date for her departure as Prime Minister, Downing Street is scrambling around to secure agreement in time to prevent European Parliament elections next month.

8.56am update: Hammond launches hunt for Carney replacement

Chancellor Philip Hammond has started the process of finding a replacement for Mark Carney as governor of the Bank of England.

Mr Carney has twice extended his term in charge of the bank to help guide the economy through Brexit.

But he has ruled out a further delay even though Britain's departure from the European Union remains up in the air.

Mr Hammond said: ”Finding a candidate with the right skills and experience to lead the Bank of England is vital for ensuring the continuing strength of our economy and for maintaining the UK's position as a leading global financial centre.”

8.41am update: Former minister backs May to stay in No 10

Former business minister Richard Harrington, who quit over the prospect of a no deal Brexit, has backed Theresa May to continue as Prime Minister and warned a leadership election would be "disastrous".

Mr Harrington told the BBC Today programme: "Given that Theresa May has already said she is going to leave - the question comes back to the Brexit question.

"I really believe at the moment for this phase of it, where Parliament has to decide what it wants to do in weeks, a leadership election would be disastrous not just for the Conservative party but for the whole country."

Mr Harrington said a leadership contest would be a cover for a "mini-referendum" and attacked "self-styled spokesmen for the Conservative party".

He said: "If we do what they want and have a leadership election now it wouldn't be a leadership election, it would be a kind of mini-referendum within the Conservative party.

"There would be one candidate very much in favour of 'let's call it a hard Brexit or no deal' and presumably one that didn't.

"This is irrelevant to the future of the country and the party."

8.30am update: French ambassador to US warns British influence has vanished because of Brexit

Brexit has led to the collapse of British influence in Washington, according to outgoing French ambassador to the US Gérard Araud.

Mr Araud claims UK diplomats had vanished off the scene as London became increasingly focused on the one issue dominating its politics.

Yet his comments were swiftly followed by confirmation of US President's Donald Trump's state visit to Britain in June.

Mr Araud told the Financial Times: “The UK has vanished. The British ambassador told me — and I loved it — that every time the British military is meeting with the American military, the Americans are talking about the French.”

Theresa May sought close ties with the Trump administration when she came to office despite widespread opposition from the public and senior politicians including the Speaker of the Commons John Bercow.

8.15am update: Brexit “contributing” to Northern Ireland violence

Former British negotiator to Northern Ireland Jonathan Powell said Brexit is contributing to sectarian violence in Northern Ireland but was careful to stress it is not the cause.

Mr Powell told the BBC Today programme: "I think it would be quite wrong to say either the political crisis in Northern Ireland - the institutions having fallen over and not being put back up again, the essence of the Good Friday Agreement - nor Brexit caused this.

"The trouble with it is it's sitting out there as a political crisis and this sort of mindless violence can then fall into that."

7.30am update: Tories to hold fresh talks on leadership rules

Senior Conservatives are expected to hold further discussions on whether to change the party rules to enable an early leadership challenge to Theresa May.

Officers of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee met in Westminster yesterday amid growing pressure for the Prime Minister to name the date of her departure.

There was no formal statement from the meeting which was said have been inconclusive.