Brexit: Theresa May will not ask Jeremy Corbyn to help resolve crisis despite vow to contact 'senior parliamentarians', Conservative minister suggests

John McDonnell accuses prime minister of wrecking any hope of reaching compromise in cross-party talks 'before they’ve even started'

Theresa May will not ask Jeremy Corbyn to help her find a route of her Brexit crisis because he has “nothing to say”, a cabinet minister has suggested.

Andrea Leadsom, the Commons leader, appeared to rule out the Labour leader being among the “senior parliamentarians” the prime minister has promised to contact, after the crushing defeat of her deal.

The rejection came as John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, accused Ms May of wrecking any hope of a cross-party compromise by laying down immediate red lines for any talks.

Reacting to No 10 suggesting a customs union will not be on the table, Mr McDonnell said: “She seems to be negating the discussions before they’ve even started.”

He said there had been “no approach” from Downing Street – a stance Ms Leadsom appeared to confirm in an BBC Radio 4 interview minutes later.

“Jeremy Corbyn had the opportunity yesterday to put to the House exactly what his alternative proposals were, he clearly has none,” she claimed.

“Instead, what he wants to do is to disrupt the government and disrupt the nation at critical time by seeking a general election.”

Ms Leadsom denied the prime minister had “written him off” but she added: “When the leader of the opposition has nothing to say, other than what he doesn’t like, that is a real problem.

“Which is why the prime minister will be engaging right across the House with those who do have very sincerely held views, but who want to constructively deliver.”

The Commons leader also laid down her own red lines, insisting the UK must leave the single market and customs union, adding: “I think the prime minister is committing to delivering on that.”

And she vowed: “We are clear we won’t be delaying Article 50,” – something Downing Street refused to rule out, moments after the record 230-vote defeat on the withdrawal agreement.

The comments underlined Ms May’s dilemma, facing a cabinet split down the middle between ministers willing to compromise – and those telling her to fight on to secure her deal.

She is expected to open talks with only what she considers to be “sensible” Labour figures, such as senior Backbenches Yvette Cooper and Hilary Benn.

Meanwhile, No 10 has made clear that the prime minister remains committed to securing an “independent trade policy”, which means leaving the customs union.

But Ms Cooper tweeted: “Andrea Leadsom making a mockery of Theresa May's proposal for cross party talks this morning. Ludicrous & unworkable if PM won't even talk to @jeremycorbyn & other party leaders.”

Mr McDonnell said: “She is now laying conditions down about those discussions which look as though they will prevent any discussion of a permanent customs union.

“That is what most of the other opposition parties support so she seems to be negating the discussions before they have even started.”