Brexit deal latest: Ken Clarke calls for details to be announced in parliament to put an end to 'rumours and criticism'

Conservative former chancellor Ken Clarke pushed for Brexit deal details to be announced in parliament today to put an end to “rumours and criticism”.

Speaking during PMQs, the Father of the House called for the publication of a white paper setting out the details of the draft deal agreed by UK and EU negotiators.

Details of the plan, which have not been released, will be discussed by Theresa May’s cabinet this afternoon.

The PM is making a passionate appeal to ministers to swallow their doubts and support the 460-page withdrawal agreement “in the national interest” and to “deliver on the 2016 referendum”.

Mr Clarke asked: "Will the prime minister give an assurance that if and when this deal is published, that a statement will be made to this House of Commons when it is produced?”

The veteran MP vowed to “re-establish” parliamentary sovereignty and appeared to have a veiled dig at Mrs May when he wished her well “in obtaining a majority which is in the national interest”.

He said "Because it is this parliament which is going to have to decide now what to do next and we don't want parliament only to be consulted after another 24 hours of rumours and criticism - we could re-establish parliamentary sovereignty and I wish the prime minister well in obtaining a majority for some course of action in future which is in the national interest."

The prime minister said she would return to the Commons to explain the outcome of the cabinet meeting.

She said: "There is then the issue of when a final deal is agreed with the European Union and ensuring, as we will, that proper analysis is available to members of this House before the meaningful vote takes place and that briefings are available to members of this House on the details of the proposals."

Mr Clarke later continued to raise concerns over parliament not being properly kept in the loop.

He said: “It’s always been until very recently the constitutional convention in this House that when a government announces a major policy it does so first of all by a statement here in the House of Commons usually simultaneously with the publication of the white paper.

“We are slipping into a practice where firstly policies are leaked in advance, then the government actually briefs the press and the great national debate breaks out, then parliament finally gets the opportunity to discuss it the day later.

“If you do have any opportunity to discuss with the usual channels what proper role of parliament should be your assistance would be greatly appreciated,” he told Speaker John Bercow.