The Prime Minister said Jeremy Corbyn had thus far refused her invitation
Theresa May has begun holding cross-party talks in an attempt to break parliament’s Brexit impasse.
A volcanic 24 hours in Westminster saw the prime minister’s withdrawal agreement suffer the largest Commons defeat on record, 202-432 and Jeremy Corbyn instigate a no confidence motion.
On Wednesday that no confidence motion was narrowly defeated 306 to 325. It leaves May in the doldrums, trapped in government but suffering humiliating defeat on her keystone policy.
Tough times.
Making a statement outside No 10 the prime minister said she would now “focus on finding a way forward on Brexit.” That means collaborating with the other House of Commons parties to find common ground and try and pass a deal.
The SNP, Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru all held meetings with the prime minister in the immediate aftermath of her survival. However, Labour’s leader had thus far refused.
May said talks were “constructive” but that Corbyn has “declined to take part.”
Tom Watson said earlier in the day that Labour were “amenable” to talks with the government.
In full, Theresa May said: “I have just held constructive meetings with the leader of the Liberal Democrats, and the Westminster leaders of the SNP and Plaid Cymru.
“From tomorrow, meetings will be taking place between senior Government representatives, including myself, and groups of MPs who represent the widest possible range of views from across Parliament – including our confidence and supply partners the Democratic Unionist Party.
“I am disappointed that the leader of the Labour Party has not so far chosen to take part – but our door remains open.
“It will not be an easy task, but MPs know they have a duty to act in the national interest, reach a consensus and get this done.”
So it would appear she gave that statement for the sole purpose of saying ‘Jeremy Corbyn didn’t want to talk but my door remains open. Look at the bad man.’
