Theresa May challenged to debate Brexit issues face-to-face with MEPs in the European Parliament

Parliament Brexit chief calls for 'open dialogue between Mrs May and all members'

Theresa May prepares to address a media conference at an EU summit in Brussels (AP)

Theresa May should come to Brussels personally and debate her Brexit negotiating position with the European Parliament’s MEPs in public, the body’s Brexit coordinator has said.

Guy Verhofstadt told reporters in Strasbourg that Ms May and MEPs should have an “open dialogue” with MEPs to discuss the issues because the European Parliament would ultimately have a vote on whether to agreed the final deal.

Ms May was branded “out of her depth” and in danger of “further weakening the UK’s position” at the opening of the European Parliament on Tuesday in Strasbourg following reports that she had refused to attend such a public meeting.

Last week EU sources said the Prime Minister had turned down an invitation to address MEPs in public – as most of her recent predecessors have done – for fear of a hostile grilling.

Instead, Downing Street confirmed Ms May is set only to address the so-called “conference of presidents” – a meeting of the leaders of the Parliament’s political groups held behind closed doors.

Mr Verhofstadt said on Tuesday that Ms May really should address a public meeting because of the importance of MEPs to signing off the negotiation process.

“I’m very pleased that Mrs May has accepted the invitation of the European Parliament to come to the European Parliament, as you know since the beginning of the year there was a standing invitation to address the European Parliament,” he said.

“But my proposal is that instead of only addressing the Conference of Presidents I would encourage her to address the full House, the plenary.

“I think that can only be helpful because it will be the European Parliament that at the end will need to give the green light for the outcome of the negotiations.

“What is at stake for the moment are issues that are very near to the heart of most MEPs: the whole question of citizens rights, the Irish border, the financial settlement, the future – all this, I think, needs to be debated in an open dialogue between Mrs May and all members.”

The Liberal group leader said he did not know the date Ms May was planning to come, adding: “I’m not responsible for Mrs May’s diary so I can’t provide you with any more information there.”

European Parliament Green group co-leader Philippe Lamberts had stern words for Ms May about her non-attendance. He said: “The impression I get of her is that she is a lady out of her depth, meaning that she is reaching the very edge of her skills now, and I think it’s starting to show.

“The fact that Mrs May hasn’t come, and if I were her advisor I would have advise her the same, I think she had more to lose by coming and I think it was the right calculation for her.

Guy Verhofstadt speaking at the European Parliament's alternative base in Strasbourg (European Parliament)

“If she were coming to Brussels or to Strasbourg I thinks he would risk further weakening the UK’s position.”

Centre-right EPP leader Manfred Weber, a German ally of Angela Merkel, also said Ms May’s approach to Brexit “will not fly”.

A Downing Street spokesperson did not deny that Ms May had declined to address a plenary session of the EU-wide elected body.

“The Prime Minister has confirmed to President Tajani that she would be happy to address the conference of presidents. A date will now be arranged with his team,” the spokesperson said when asked last week.

Margaret Thatcher famously faced the European Parliament in 1986 to argue for reforms of the then European Community’s Commons Agricultural Policy. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have also addressed the chamber; David Cameron agreed to do so but suspended his speech and resigned before it could be re-scheduled.

The PM, notorious for her dislike of unscripted media appearances, may be wary of appearing in public in the Parliament because all proceedings are broadcast live on television. When her predecessor Margaret Thatcher appeared before the body in 1986 she was interrupted by a protester and Ms May has no shortage of enemies on the benches in Brussels who might be willing to cause a scene.