PM Theresa May begins her walking holiday in Italy

Theresa May and her husband Philip share an enthusiasm for walking

Prime Minister Theresa May has begun a week-long walking holiday in Italy.

The Conservative leader is fresh from her key Brexit proposal being rejected by the EU on Thursday.

She will return to the UK for a week's work in her constituency and in Downing Street before attending the centenary commemoration of the World War One battle of Amiens and then resuming her break in Switzerland.

Mrs May's trip is a repeat of her holiday itinerary from last year.

The Parliamentary recess plans of her Conservative colleagues have also been split on Europe - Brexiteers have largely chosen to holiday in the UK or US, while Remainers choose countries in the EU.

Mrs May and her husband Philip arrived by boat in Sirmione, on Lake Garda in Italy, on Saturday

Jacob Rees-Mogg, chairman of the Tories' pro-Brexit European Research Group, is holidaying in the US, as is International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, after a detour in Japan.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who led the Vote Leave campaign, will be taking a break in Scotland.

The office of staunch Remainer Anna Soubry, meanwhile, said she would be taking a holiday in Europe.

Mrs May has long favoured visiting Switzerland - not in the EU - and the Alps because of her enthusiasm for hiking.

She has previously praised the area for its views and clear air.

It is the second year running that Mrs May and her husband have visited the lakeside town of Desenzano del Garda