An attempt by Parliament to direct Theresa May's attempts to secure a delayed departure from the EU could in fact leave the UK on course for a no-deal exit, a senior lawyer has suggested.

Lord Pannick, a leading QC, said provisions in a bill drawn up by Sir Oliver Letwin and Yvette Cooper could “damage” attempts to reduce the chances of the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

The barrister, together with Lord Judge, the former Lord Chief Justice, are planning to table an amendment to the legislation on Monday, which would restore powers for Mrs May to negotiate a new exit date with EU leaders on Wednesday if they reject the June 30 cut-off that she has proposed.

The legislation passed by the Commons last week would legally require Theresa May to ask the EU for a Brexit delay up until a date that MPs could specify.

On Friday, the Prime Minister wrote to Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, seeking an extension of the UK's membership until June 30, or May 22 if Parliament could agree a deal before then - a plan likely to be ratified by Parliament if the bill becomes law tomorrow evening or Tuesday.