Downing Street fails to deny Theresa May 'begged' for help on Brexit during Brussels dinner

Refusal to comment in striking contrast to response after similar leaks in the spring - when Ms May accused the EU of Brussels of trying to influence the election result

Number 10 has failed to deny that Theresa May “begged for help” to break the deadlock in the Brexit talks, in a crucial dinner with EU officials.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said he had “no comment whatsoever” on the leaked report, which appeared in a German newspaper.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission President, was reported to have said that Ms May appeared “tormented”, “despondent and discouraged” and “begged” for help to push forward the negotiations.

The spokesman said: “I think you are referring to a newspaper article with no quotes in it. I have no comment whatsoever on that.”

The dead bat reaction is in striking contrast to Ms May’s response when similar leaks followed the last dinner with Mr Juncker, during the election campaign.

On that occasion, the Prime Minister made an extraordinary statement outside No 10, accusing Brussels of trying to influence the result.

Theresa May hugs Jean-Claude Juncker after a meeting at the European Commission (AFP/Getty Images)

She claimed her Brexit negotiating position had been “misrepresented in the continental press”, saying: “Threats against Britain have been issued by European politicians and officials.”

This time – appearing to reflect Ms May’s much weaker position, since her election humbling – No 10 was desperate to hose down the controversy.

Asked if the latest leak was also a “hostile act”, the spokesman replied: “You have got my comment. I have nothing to add to that.”

He did add: “One of the people who was present has denied this morning that the European Commission president ever said it,” a reference to Martin Selmayr, Mr Juncker’s chief of staff.

The spokesman pointed to “a joint statement by the European Commission and by Downing Street, which said that the talks last week were constructive and friendly”.

The account appeared in the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), which also reported the last leak – blamed on Mr Selmayr.

It said, of the Prime Minister: “She indicated that back home friend and foe are at her back plotting to bring her down. May said she had no room left to manoeuvre.

“The Europeans have to create it for her. May's face and appearance spoke volumes," Mr Juncker is said to have later told his colleagues.

“She has deep rings under her eyes. She looks like someone who can't sleep a wink.”

Over dinner last Thursday, Ms May admitted to EU leaders for the first time that Brexit had faced “difficulty”.

While EU leaders will begin scoping work on future trade talks, they have told the Prime Minister she must make more concessions on Britain's divorce payment for negotiations to start.