A cross-party group of MPs is publishing an emergency bill, which would require Theresa May to propose extending the Brexit process beyond the rescheduled exit day of April 12 to stop a no-deal departure in 10 days' time.

The single-clause bill is being tabled by Labour's Yvette Cooper with the backing of senior MPs, including Tories Sir Oliver Letwin, Dame Caroline Spelman, Dominic Grieve, Labour MPs Hilary Benn and Jack Dromey and Norman Lamb for the Liberal Democrats.

Ms Cooper said: "We are now in a really dangerous situation with a serious and growing risk of no-deal in 10 days' time.

"The Prime Minister has a responsibility to prevent that happening. She needs to put forward a proposal, including saying how long an extension she thinks we need to sort things out.

"If the Government won't act urgently, then Parliament has a responsibility to try to ensure that happens even though we are right up against the deadline,” declared the Yorkshire MP.

Ms Cooper went on: "Parliament has tried to jam into two days a process of finding consensus that I wish the Prime Minister had started two years ago. But right now nothing has been agreed. So that means that whatever happens in the next few days, the UK needs an extension beyond April 12 if we are to avoid the damage and chaos of no-deal.”

She added: "For the sake of jobs, public services and our national security we need to avert no-deal."

Sir Oliver said: "This is a last-ditch attempt to prevent our country being exposed to the risks inherent in a no-deal exit. We realise this is difficult. But it is definitely worth trying."