PM May to convince EU for extension with promise of more talks with labour party

British Prime Minister Theresa May will tell EU leaders she is asking for an extension to press on with talks with the main opposition Labour Party to secure approval in parliament for her Brexit deal, her spokesman said on Tuesday. May was meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday as part of a charm offensive before an EU summit when she will find out whether leaders are willing to give her another Brexit delay.

"She set out in the letter (to the EU) the fact that she is holding cross-party discussions with the leader of the opposition to try to seek a way forward which can carry a stable majority in parliament. Those negotiations are ongoing ... There are further talks today," the spokesman told reporters. "The prime minister will be able to point to those talks, she will also be able to talk to the fact that she remains certain that there is a majority in parliament for the UK leaving the European Union with a deal." (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; editing by Stephen Addison)

(With inputs from agencies.)