Theresa May will try to silence calls for a second referendum on Europe today, with Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader, among the big hitters certain to back her.

In some of her strongest language to date, the prime minister will tell MPs that another plebiscite would break faith with the British people and do “irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics”. This newspaper revealed on Saturday that five cabinet ministers have been discussing endorsing a second referendum if all other options to avoid leaving the European Union on March 29 without a deal come to nothing.

Ruth Davidson is said to have rebuffed the People’s Vote campaign JEFF J MITCHELL/GETTY IMAGES

One of Mrs May’s most senior former advisers has come out in favour of another vote on Brexit. Chris Wilkins, her speechwriter until the 2017 general