Jeremy Corbyn is working with Tory backbenchers to try to reach a ‘soft’ Brexit deal that can get the support of Parliament.

The Labour leader held in-depth talks with a cross-party group of MPs who are backing a Norway-plus style Brexit.

Afterwards, he said felt “more certain” and “more determined” than ever that a sensible compromise could be struck.

Mr Corbyn hopes to secure a close economic relationship with the EU after Brexit that would keep both Leave and Remain voters happy.

And he wants to move beyond Brexit to concentrate on crucial domestic issues that are currently being neglected.

But his interest in the Norway Plus proposals will increase Government fears that MPs could force a ‘softer’ deal, including a customs union, in the event they reject Theresa May ’s deal for a second time next week.

Writing for the Mirror, Mr Corbyn said: “I left both meetings more certain than ever that we can find a way to work across Parliament to force the Government to back a sensible Brexit plan that protects jobs and more determined to achieve it. 

“I will continue to reach out to get a decent Brexit deal so our country can spend more time talking about our children’s future than a customs union.”

It comes after Tory chief whip Julian Smith warned the cabinet that Parliament could take control of the timetable if the PM is again defeated. MPs are then likely to vote to take a No Deal Brexit off the table and to delay Brexit.

Labour sources suggested the party could then, in theory, back a cross-party amendment for a series of ‘indicative’ votes.

This could then pave the way for a vote guaranteeing the future political relationship, including a customs union.

A senior Labour source said: “We’re genuinely trying to find a way through which we know involves working wth others in Parliament.

“We’re not necessarily going to mind in future whose name is on an amendment if the outcome is what brings the country together.”

The cross-party group – Tories Nick Boles and Oliver Letwin and Labour’s Lucy Powell and Stephen Kinnock  – believe their ‘Common Market’ 2.0 plan for the UK’s future relationship with the EU could get through Parliament. 

It almost mirrors Labour’s own call for a close economic relationship with the EU, including a permanent customs union, which was rejected by MPs last month. 

Both plans would see common external tariffs, follow common rules and mean the UK would negotiate trade deals as part of the EU bloc.

What is Norway plus model?

The Norway Plus option would see the UK seek a close relationship with the EU, but stop short of full membership.

This ‘soft Brexit’ plan, would involve Britain joining the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

alongside Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

It would mean Britain regains sovereignty over food and fisheries, and would mean we are no longer beholden to EU courts.

And if a customs agreement can be reached, it would give the most simple solution to the Irish border question – the biggest stumbling block in reaching a deal.

It would keep Britain in the single market – which would mean we would still have to accept free movement of people.

And we would still have to make a reduced contribution to the EU budget.

But as a member of EFTA we would be allowed to impose an emergency brake on immigration should it be shown to be causing social or economic problems.

However, the cross-party group’s Norway Plus plan would only be temporary, until frictionless trade could be resolved by other means.

This means that it could potentially get the support of enough Tory MPs to get through Parliament. 

Manchester Central MP Ms Powell said: “We all left the meeting feeling this was a very genuine and positive endeavour to seek cross-party consensus to break the Brexit deadlock. 

Tory MP for Grantham Mr Boles added: “If the PM’s deal is defeated next week  Parliament will need to find a cross-party compromise. It is very welcome that the Leader of the Opposition is engaging so seriously with the Common Market 2.0 plan.”

It came as Downing Street admitted that talks between the UK and EU to try to get concessions to win over Tory Brexiteers had been “difficult”, after Attorney General Geoffrey Cox returned from Brussels empty handed. 

The House of Lords last night dealt another blow to the PM by demanding that Britain join a customs union on the day it leaves the EU.

The amendment, supported by Labour, Lib Dems and crossbench peers, will force the PM to schedule another vote in the Commons if she wants to maintain her current policy of leaving the customs union when we leave the EU. 

It is also another sign of Labour moving to put in place arrangements for a softer Brexit deal.

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