Boris Johnson is increasingly optimistic that a Brexit deal could be agreed before the end of the week as negotiators began work on a draft text in Brussels.

EU leaders are primed to discuss a new deal on Wednesday when they meet for a three-day summit during which the Prime Minister hopes they will sign off the wording of an agreement.

Hardline Brexiteers emerged from an 80-minute briefing in Downing Street suggesting they would be prepared to vote for a deal, raising hopes that Parliament could back it in a vote on Saturday.

The Prime Minister has insisted for months that Britain will leave the EU on Oct 31 “no ifs or buts” and his aides scoffed at reports that a short extension beyond the deadline will be needed to thrash out all the details of a deal.