Top Tories in bitter battle over best way out of the deadlock

turmoil of the first vote MPS will now row in behind her deal.

One senior No 10 source said: “We know there are Tory MPS who feel they need to vote against it this time, to keep their associations happy, but would back us next

THE Sinn Fein leader has urged Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to “stand firm” over the backstop after MPS turned down Theresa May’s withdrawal deal.

The Prime Minister’s plan was rejected by 432 votes to 202 in the Commons last night. And, amid time round.” Several remainbacking ministers have called for the Government to take no deal off the table, warning that if it did not it would fall to MPS.

According to sources, Ms Rudd told MPS: “Rather than being led, we should do the leading.”

She was backed by de facto deputy PM David Lidington but Cabinet heavyweights including Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and

the uncertainty over how the UK will leave the European Union, Mary Lou Mcdonald, left, had a message for the Republic’s leader.

She said: “Ireland’s people, Ireland’s economy and Ireland’s peace process all need to be protected as we go forward now.

“The Taoiseach and the Tanaiste and our partners at a European level need to stand firm and not move Home Secretary Sajid Javid opposed her plan.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Mrs May was still the best person to lead the UK. He said, provided she wins the vote of no confidence, she would engage with MPS from all sides to find a deal which can achieve a majority.

But Grassroots Conservatives chairman Ed Costelloe – who wants the PM out of No 10 – told

away from or attempt to dilute the backstop. We need to say clearly to the British if they wish to Brexit then that’s a matter for themselves, but any Brexit agreement needs to recognise, understand and protect the people, the economy and the peace process on this island.”

Mr Varadkar yesterday emphasised he would not interfere in the internal politics of the UK.

ATTACK Mr Corbyn during the Brexit debate yesterday