A LABOUR MP has published the text of her attempt to put into law a request for an extension to Article 50.

The bill from Yvette Cooper, if passed, would require Theresa May to ask the EU for an extension beyond the current April 12 deadline.

It would require May to come up with a plan to extend Article 50 for MPs to vote on and her the PM to determine how long that extension should be.

Any alternative length proposed by the EU would have to be voted on by MPs, according to the Cooper bill.

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Cooper and her cross-party allies are aiming to have all stages of the EU (withdrawal) (no 5) bill debated on Thursday by using tomorrow – already set aside for a third day of Oliver Letwin backbench business – to pass a business motion.

If that motion passes, more indicative votes will also be held on Thursday and the bill will then be passed to the House of Lords.

Tory MP Letwin, who supports the Cooper bill: "This is a last-ditch attempt to prevent our country being exposed to the risks inherent in a no-deal exit.

"We realise this is difficult. But it is definitely worth trying."