Lib Dem leader Vince Cable has been speaking to Mark Rutte too. He says he's been briefing him about the "changing mood" in the UK.

The World at One
BBC Radio 4

Although the withdrawal agreement is "set in stone", the EU should explore what other reassurances it can give the UK over the Irish backstop, the Finnish minister for European affairs says.

Sampo Terho tells BBC Radio 4's World at One: “If other reassurances can be given then we should explore the possibilities."

However he says the backstop is a last resort and not supposed to be used.

"I’m not sure there’s any reassurance that could be any more binding than that," he adds.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, arriving at the EU summit, insists the UK withdrawal deal cannot be renegotiated.

But there is still room for a discussion, he tells reporters.

"I have the impression that MPs think it is a bad deal. I must stress that it is a good deal. What can we do? We can still negotiate with [Theresa] May.

"Overall we can still work on details but we cannot start negotiating again."

Referring to the controversial backstop for the Northern Ireland border, he says: "It's not there because we imposed it, it's about the Good Friday Agreement. It's there because we respect Good Friday. A no-deal Brexit is a very bad solution."

Adam Fleming
Brussels reporter

BBC Brussels reporter Adam Fleming says the EU faces “a bit of a dilemma” in how it can keep both the Irish and other members states happy by ensuring the commitment to the backstop is solid, while at the same time helping Theresa May with her situation at home.

He says the withdrawal agreement itself is unlikely to change.

“This is all about what can be done around the edges that helps Theresa May when she goes back home to sell the deal for a final time," he says.

BBC Politics Live
BBC2's lunchtime political programme

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson calls on the Chancellor Philip Hammond to resign after comments he made about Conservative Brexiteers.

Ahead of yesterday's vote of confidence on Theresa May's leadership, Mr Hammond said the ballot would "flush out the extremists" in the party.

But speaking to BBC Two's Politics Live, Mr Paterson says: "The person who should go frankly is the chancellor [for] calling people like me and Liam (Halligan) and 17.4 million people ‘extremists’.”

Theresa May has confirmed she will not lead the Conservative Party into the next general election, but would not name a date for her departure.

Arriving at the European Council summit in Brussels, the prime minister said: "I have said that in my heart I would love to be able to lead the Conservative Party into the next general election.

"But I think it is right that the party feels that it would prefer to go into that election with a new leader."

She admitted Wednesday was "a difficult day" and she had heard the concerns of her critics over the Irish backstop.

She said she would be seeking "legal and political assurances" from the EU to ease these concerns.

Chris Page
BBC News NI Political Correspondent

Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney say European leaders in Brussels will be making a genuine effort to give Theresa May more reassurances and clarification about the backstop - but that can't happen in a way that undermines the backstop or its intention.

Speaking in the Irish Parliament, he says what's being looked at is a political declaration that the backstop is no threat, and is about providing the reassurance that there will be no border infrastructure.

Victoria Derbyshire

Labour MP Jess Phillips says it is "despicable" that two Tory MPs who had the party whip removed after being accused of sexually inappropriate conduct were allowed to vote in yesterday's confidence ballot.

Andrew Griffiths and Charlie Elphicke both had the whip reinstated on Wednesday.

Mr Griffiths previously apologised after sending text messages of a sexual nature to two female constituents.

Mr Elphicke has denied any wrongdoing.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove says the prime minister is "battling for Britain in Brussels" to secure a good Brexit deal.

Speaking outside his home, he says: "I'm delighted that the prime minister secured a handsome victory last night and she's battling for Britain in Brussels at the moment, and she will secure a good Brexit deal."

Mr Gove says he thinks the party will be able to unite behind her.

"I think there was a clear verdict last night," he adds. "We want to make sure the prime minister can get on with the job."

Image source, AFP/Getty Images

Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom confirms the "meaningful vote" on the prime minister's Brexit deal will be back in the House "by the 21 January".

Speaking in the chamber during parliamentary business questions, Ms Leadsom says: "We are absolutely certain that the debate and the vote will be back to the House by the 21 January.

“There will be time given for all honourable and right honourable members who want to make a contribution to it."