Prime Minister’s support plea is snubbed by rivals

government that is prepared to take the bold action necessary to secure a better future for Britain and we are determined to be that government. In everything we do, we will act with an unshakeable sense of purpose to build the better, fairer Britain which we all want to see.”

Mrs May’s Brexit strategy also hit turbulence from Brussels after Guy Verhofstadt, the EU’s chief negotiator, rejected her offer on citizens’ rights, claiming it was casting a “dark cloud” over people’s status. In a joint article with a crossparty group of senior MEPs, the former Belgian premier said the PM’s plan was a “damp squib,” which carried a risk of creating “second-class citizenship”.

He claimed MEPs would block a Brexit deal that did not meet their demands even if it was agreed between the UK Government and EU member states. He said: “At the end, it is the European Parliament who will say yes or no and I can tell you that it will not be a yes if the rights of the European citizens, like also the rights of the UK citizens living on the continent, will be diminished.” KEY dates in Theresa May’s premiership:

Becomes Conservative leader after challenger Andrea Leadsom withdrew from leadership race.

Appointed Prime Minister by Queen, becoming second female premier.

First move is to travel to Scotland for talks with Nicola Sturgeon, underlining commitment to Union.

Outlines Brexit strategy in highprofile speech with commitment to take