Jeremy Corbyn's belief he can renegotiate Brexit deal in 18 weeks dismissed by own party members

Jeremy Corbyn's belief that he can renegotiate Brexit in 18 weeks was today dismissed as “a fantasy” by members of his party.

The Labour leader yesterday claimed the party could get a better deal in time for Brexit on March 29. But some Labour MPs said the leadership needed to “seize the moment” and push for a second referendum.

Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South, said: “It’s a fantasy to think he can renegotiate Brexit. The EU made it clear that this is the best deal that they are going to negotiate.

"Labour would be far better focusing on a People’s Vote and trying to get an extension to Article 50.”

Former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie said more than 100 Labour MPs back a People’s Vote and described Mr Corbyn’s plan to push for a “jobs-first Brexit” as “silly”.

At the Confederation of British Industry today, Mr Corbyn was due to set out his alternative to Theresa May’s deal.

Centrist Labour MP Mr Leslie said the speech would be “all about a mythical renegotiation with 18 weeks to go. Astonishingly, they don’t even mention the People’s Vote at all. I sense excuses being built up one after another to why he doesn’t want a People’s Vote… it’s very worrying indeed.”

He added: “We shouldn’t at this stage kick this idea into the distant horizon.”

However, Mr Corbyn said on Sky News on Sunday that a new referendum on the relationship with the EU was “an option for the future” but not now.

People’s Vote campaigner Chuka Umunna MP said: “A ‘good’ Brexit is a fiction. All one can do in the event we leave is damage limitation which is why the overwhelming majority of Labour members, supporters and voters want an unequivocal commitment from our leadership to a People’s Vote.”

Unite’s Len McCluskey today warned Labour to vote down Mrs May’s deal.