Theresa May is considering giving MPs a vote on whether to hold a second referendum in a bid to break the deadlock in negotiations with Labour, The Telegraph can disclose.

The Prime Minister held discussions with Cabinet ministers in Downing Street on Monday about the prospect of holding a Commons vote on whether to enshrine a commitment to a second referendum in law.

Mrs May was said to have been "pragmatic" during the discussions and told ministers that securing a deal is not going to be "easy" and will require compromise.

Julian Smith, the chief whip, is understood to be "confident" that the Government has the numbers to defeat a bid by Labour to hold a second referendum in the Commons.

The plans would see the EU withdrawal and implementation bill amended to include a commitment to "confirmatory vote". However the issue is deeply divisive for Labour.