Merkel hopeful of Brexit deal after May's pleas - politics live
The European Union has announced that preparations can begin for the second stage of Brexit talks on the UK's future trade relations
3.54pm BST
Taking another detour from Brussels, Labour MP Clive Lewis has "unreservedly" apologised after video emerged of him telling someone to "get on your knees bitch" at a fringe event at last month's party conference.
His language attracted widespread condemnation from politicians on all sides including prominent women in the Labour party, among them Harriet Harman, Jess Phillips and Stella Creasy.
Related: Labour MP Clive Lewis apologises for 'get on your knees' comment
3.43pm BST
Senior Tory Brexiteer Bernard Jenkin has warned the prime minister she should not sign up to a deal at any price, suggesting that failure to strike a deal would not be as bad as feared.