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A shaky video of Theresa May begging MPs to back her Brexit deal cost the taxpayer over £2000.

In April, the Prime Minister released a desperate video statement in an attempt to get MPs support her.

The style appeared to be deliberately homespun - showing the PM sat on a sofa and speaking directly to the country.

The comments were widely interpreted as a powerless Mrs May trying to claw back long ago lost leverage over her own MPs.

In it, she updated the country on Brexit negotiations and said: "The choice that lies ahead of us is either leaving the European Union with a deal or not leaving at all".

Seven weeks later - and with negotiations between the government and Labour ongoing - it can be revealed that the video cost an astonishing amount to produce.

According to the Cabinet Office, the total cost of the video, including filming, editing, and producing, was £2,041.44 with VAT.

It appears to have been filmed by hand, lightly edited and had subtitles added.

The video fanned the flames of the Tory civil war, as it was seen as paving the way for a Brexit climbdown that could get her deal past MPs but risked terminally splitting her party.

Filmed at Chequers, it saw the PM signal she was prepared to compromise on Labour ’s demand for a customs union, admitting there were “some things we agree on”.

She said: “Can we find a way through this that ensures that we can get a good deal and a deal agreed through Parliament? It’ll mean a compromise on both sides.”

A government spokesperson said: "It is important for government to communicate with the public directly - particularly about complex matters like leaving the EU.

"This content was produced to update people during a crucial period and is one of Downing Street’s most viewed videos."