Thread by @Steven_Swinford

EXCLUSIVE

Telegraph obtains leaked recording of briefing Philip Hammond gave business leaders in aftermath of PM's defeat

Read full transcript including how Hammond said 'threat' of no-deal Brexit could be 'off the table' within days & A50 'rescinded'

telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/…

Hammond said the Boles amendment could provide the 'ultimate backstop' to stop a no-deal Brexit.

He told business leaders there is 'large majority' in Commons opposed to no deal 'under any circumstances'

Read full transcript of 51 minute long call here:

telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/…

Hammond indicated the Govt is open to talks over staying in Customs Union by saying it will not enter discussions 'waving flags with red lines on them'

He did not rule out the Govt backing the Boles amendment when pressed for assurances by head of Tesco

While Hammond and Clark talked about taking no-deal 'off the table', Stephen Barclay warned that doing so would 'weaken' Govt negotiating hand.

Approach left business leaders confused. Head of Tesco said there was an 'inconsistency' between their positions.

Business leaders had plenty to say.

Peter Mather, head of BP in UK asked whether prospect of a 2nd ref have increased

'I just wonder whether all of this added together has in any way increased the sympathy or the lack of antipathy towards the idea of a second referendum.'

The vote on Boles amendment on Monday is huge headache for Government.

I'm told pro-European Cabinet ministers will refuse to vote against it.

Leaves Govt either backing it, offering MPs free vote, allowing ministers to be away on other business or facing Cabinet revolt