Cross-party talks must wrap up next week

Talks between the Conservatives and Labour to reach a Brexit compromise deal must wrap up by next week, government sources have said.

With little sign of a deal emerging, senior figures conceded that unless there was a breakthrough in the coming days, there would not be time to introduce legislation to implement Brexit before EU elections on 23 May, making UK participation in the poll inevitable.

Ministers have promised indicative votes on alternative Brexit plans if there is no deal with Labour.