Theresa May has insisted she will go ahead with a crucial vote on her Brexit deal amid growing speculation that it could be delayed.
The prime minister said she was seeking further clarification from the EU to address the concerns of MPs, as well as specific measures relating to the backstop on Northern Ireland before the vote in the week beginning 14 January.
She also said she would look at giving parliament a greater say in how the UK’s future relationship would be negotiated, but refused to say exactly what that might be.
May said a second referendum would be disrespecting people who voted for Brexit and warned that it could not be held before 29 March, the date of Britain’s departure from the EU.
On her own future, she refused to put a timescale on her departure.
I was clear before Christmas with my colleagues on two things: one, I’m not going to call a snap election and secondly that I’m not going to be leading the party into the 2022 general election.
What colleagues have said they want me to do is to deliver Brexit, which is what I am working on doing and also deliver on the agenda I set out when I first became prime minister.
Earlier, May had told the Mail on Sunday that the UK faces a moment of profound challenge as she urged MPs to get behind her Brexit deal.
She warned critics from both sides of the Brexit divide that they risked damaging the economy and trust in democracy by opposing her plan.
May said: There are some in parliament who, despite voting in favour of holding the referendum, voting in favour of triggering article 50 and standing on manifestos committed to delivering Brexit, now want to stop us leaving by holding another referendum.