Theresa May has been calling European Union leaders in an attempt to push her derailed Brexit deal through parliament. The prime minister, who is expected to return from Chequers to No 10 this week, has been seeking changes to satisfy critics, including the Democratic Unionist Party. Downing Street would not reveal the names of those she spoke to but Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, received a call. MPs return to parliament on Monday with a debate on the Brexit deal due to start on January 9 before a vote the following week. Mrs May still hopes to win over the DUP to support her deal and has vowed to seek assurances about Britain being able to leave the Irish backstop. Arlene Foster, the DUP
Theresa May has been in communication with EU leaders in an effort to ensure her struggling Brexit deal is passed by the British parliament. The prime minister has been working to establish compromises that will appease the deal's detractors ahead of MPs resuming debates over it on 9 January, prior to a vote the following week. Brexit's Pedro Sanchez has been confirmed as one of the leaders May spoke to, though Downing Street would not disclose other names. One change May is targeting is retaining the Irish backstop, an alteration intended to secure the Democratic Unionist Party's support.