This comes as Jeremy Corbyn has expressed his disappointment in the wake of seven Labour MPs resigning from the party, hinting that they need to consider putting themselves up before voters in by-elections.

Addressing the Make UK conference in London, the Labour leader said: "I hope they recognise that they were elected to Parliament on a manifesto that was based around investment in the future, was based around a more equal and fairer society and based around social justice. They were elected to carry out those policies, they decided to go somewhere else and I regret that."

Meanwhile, Mr Corbyn's close John McDonnell has admitted that concerns over his "style of leadership" need to be addressed. "We need a mammoth, massive listening exercise and [to] address some of those criticisms that have been made," the Shadow Chancellor said.

"If it's about the style of the leadership we'll address that. If it's about policy we'll listen to that as well."

He said he agreed with Tom Watson, who yesterday warned the Labour leadership: "unless we change, we may see more days like this".

Mr McDonnell also downplayed suggestions more than 30 Labour MPs could leave the party. "I don't think it's that scale," he told Sky News.

Talks are continuing this week in a bit to break the deadlock over the Northern Ireland backstop.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU's most senior official, said on Monday Brussels would be open to delaying Brexit if it avoided a 'no deal' scenario.

In an interview with German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung, the European Commission president said that Brexit was now being dictated by higher forces.

“When it comes to Brexit, it is like being before the courts or on the high seas; we are in God’s hands. And we can never quite be sure when God will take the matter in hand,” Mr Juncker said.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay briefed the Cabinet today after a "productive" discussion over the Northern Ireland backstop with the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Monday.

However, it appeared that they were no closer to resolving the controversial measure - intended to ensure there is no hard border on the island of Ireland - which remains the main stumbling block to an agreement.