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Jeremy Corbyn will say that a general election is the only way of breaking the parliamentary deadlock in a major speech on Brexit today.

The Labour leader will argue that a government with a fresh mandate would be able to negotiate a better withdrawal deal with Brussels.

It comes amid rumours that Labour was considering backing an extension of article 50 which would delay Brexit Day beyond the end of March.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer surprised MPs when he admitted that extending Article 50 “may well be inevitable now”.

Mr Corbyn’s spokesman denied an extension was party policy but appeared to concede that it could be on the cards anyway as a result of the Government’s approach.

(Image: Getty Images)

He also raised eyebrows when he confirmed that while Labour was committed to delivering Brexit, the party in theory could change course at a snap election.

In a speech in Wakefield on Thursday, Mr Corbyn will say: “If the Government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity.

“A Government that cannot get its business through the House of Commons is no government at all. So I say to Theresa May : if you are so confident in your deal, call that election, and let the people decide. “To break the deadlock, an election is not only the most practical option, it is also the most democratic option.

“It would give the winning party a renewed mandate to negotiate a better deal for Britain and secure support for it in Parliament and across the country.”

Two shadow cabinet ministers said the party planned to “immediately” table a motion of no confidence that could force the fall of the Government if the PM loses the vote on her deal.

Shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne said: “We’ve got a very clear position. If this deal does not pass through the House of Commons we will be calling for an immediate general election.

“The only way you can secure a general election is to table a motion of confidence in the government.”

Mr Corbyn’s spokesman confirmed it was a matter of “when not if” the party tabled a formal vote, but refused to reveal timings.