Cabinet minister insists Theresa May could still get Labour to back Brexit deal after talks collapse

The Government is still in the 'territory' of a Brexit deal with 'sensible, moderate' Labour MPs despite the collapse of cross-party talks, Cabinet minister Rory Stewart has insisted. There is speculation that the move could include fresh protections for workers' rights or further movement on a customs union, Labour's central demand in the talks. Mr Stewart told the BBC's Andrew Marr show that ministers should keep reaching out to Labour MPs who might be willing to back the Withdrawal Agreement Bill when it comes to a Commons vote in June. 'The Labour and Conservative positions are about half an inch apart,” he said. And the frontbencher said he did not 'believe there’s anything that Jeremy Corbyn or we want that’s that far apart'. He added: 'We’re in the territory of a deal, and in the territory of a deal where we need to focus is parliament. 'And particularly getting Labour votes across. Now, maybe not Jeremy Corbyn’s vote, but there are many other moderate, sensible Labour MPs that we should get across.'