No date fixed for leaving Brussels

wishes to discuss with the EU the assessment that supports its proposed end date.”

Downing Street officials and ministers last night insisted a definite cut-off date will be set soon.

And Mrs May’s aides were forced to deny claims that Britain will be locked into EU rules indefinitely.

Government officials insisted the transition would only last “around two years” and promised that a specific date will soon be agreed in negotiations with Brussels.

Brexit minister Steve Baker said: “I’d be quite happy for us to have the minimum period necessary to get out successfully into the new arrangements but that is a matter to negotiate with the European Commission.

“You can see that they want us to exit at the end of the budget period. The Prime Minister is suggesting two years. But what will be the case is, when we’ve agreed, there will be a fixed date.”

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said there would “definitely” be a fixed date for the end of the Brexit transition period.

The spokesman added: “We are seeking about two years, the EU are saying 21 months. There will be an end date within the agreement.”

Earlier, Mrs May clashed with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the Commons over her Brexit plans.

Mr Corbyn accused the Government of plotting a “bonfire” of EU regulations and workers’ rights after the country quits the EU.

He said: “The CBI and the unions are very clear that they are not looking for a bonfire of regulations – quite the opposite. The only party that wants to scrap workers’ regulations and protections is the party opposite.”

Mrs May hit back: “This Government will not only protect workers’ rights, but enhance them.”