Nicola Sturgeon holds London talks with Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May over Brexit deal

Nicola Sturgeon met with Theresa May last night in what she called a “frank, full and calm exchange of views” over her Brexit deal.

Earlier Scotland’s First Minister had met with opposition leaders to discuss how to respond to the deal, which Theresa May agreed with EU negotiators but which has been rejected by allies the DUP and many within her own party.

Number 10 said it was "the best deal that could have been negotiated".

After meeting with May Sturgeon told reporters: "I've seen today the current draft - it's not binding, it doesn't have legal effect and effectively it amounts to the House of Commons being asked to vote to exit the EU without knowing what comes next.

"That's asking people to take a blindfold leap off a cliff edge and I have said all along I just don't think that's a reasonable or acceptable thing to do.

"Perhaps if there had been more willingness to listen to different voices over the past couple of years we would be in a better position now.

"There's an argument that says we're getting a little late in the day for that meaningful engagement but as long as the possibility is there I will take it."

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The prime minister made clear that we are negotiating a deal with the EU that works for all parts of the United Kingdom - Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland - and delivers on the result of the referendum.

"The deal will give Scottish businesses the clarity and certainty they need to protect jobs and living standards, and see us take back control of our waters, improving the fortunes of our fishermen.”

Earlier Sturgeon held "exploratory" talks with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable, Green MP Caroline Lucas and Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Liz Roberts. She said there had been an agreement that the Prime Minister’s deal would be opposed.

"The next stages of all of this have to be to look at what we can coalesce around in terms of alternatives," she said.