Brexit news latest: Chequers plan is the only deal that will work, says Jeremy Hunt

Jeremy Hunt today warned European leaders they face a “strategic choice” over Brexit that will affect the EU’s future security and prosperity.

The Foreign Secretary launched a drive to sell Theresa May’s Chequers proposals as the only Brexit deal that would work in the EU and Britain’s “mutual interests”.

Arriving in Helsinki for talks, he said that Britain’s ability to play a full role in defending Europe from terror and Russian interference could be at stake.

His trip comes in the run-up to a summit in Salzburg where Britain hopes EU leaders will show they are not ruling out the Chequers plans, which have been criticised by the European Commission.

Government sources say there are signs leaders including French president Emmanuel Macron are grappling with the detail of the proposals behind the scenes, rather than simply dismissing them.

Mr Hunt said: “The EU also faces strategic choices, with the option to move the negotiations forward and achieve a deal that works in our mutual interests. We need to take that opportunity.”