New idea for easing backstop issue as May calls for unity

The prime minister may not seek to reopen the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement to make changes to the controversial Irish backstop, a Cabinet minister has suggested.

Jeremy Wright implied the insurance policy to prevent a hard border could be amended via a codicil, saying the “objective” mattered more than the “mechanism”.

The culture secretary’s comments came hours after Theresa May wrote to Tory MPs assuring them the government would continue its work to secure changes to the backstop, as she pleaded with them to unite and deliver on Brexit.

Mr Wright told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “Parliament, and I think probably people well beyond Parliament, are concerned about the potential indefinite nature of the backstop. That’s what we’ve got to do something about.

“If this is the only way of doing it then that’s the way we will pursue. If there are other ways of doing it that are just as effective that perhaps we haven’t yet explored then we will do that too.”

He continued: “I don’t think it’s the mechanism that matters, it’s the objective.”

Meanwhile, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said Labour would “look at” a proposal put forward by backbenchers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson to back a second Brexit referendum.

He told Marr: “What they’re saying is if Parliament does agree some form of deal, why not have a confirmation referendum after that?

“We’ll look at that in the debate over the next week.”

Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood urged the government to allow a free vote on ruling out a no-deal Brexit at the end of the month if Mrs May cannot get her deal through the Commons.

PA. Theresa May, seen on her way to church yesterday with husband Philip, has urged Tory MPs to deliver on Brexit.