Theresa May has continued her Brexit charm offensive as backbench MPs including arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg attended another Downing Street reception.
Guests gathered in Number 10 after a torrid day in the Commons for Mrs May, who is hoping they can be persuaded to back her controversial Withdrawal Agreement.
Wednesday’s charm offensive comes ahead of next Tuesday's crunch vote and follows a similar event on Monday aimed at garnering support for the PM's stance in a more informal setting.
The gathering also came after Mrs May suffered a second embarrassing Brexit defeat in 24 hours on Wednesday.
By approving an amendment tabled by Tory MP Dominic Grieve, MPs have insisted that if the PM's withdrawal plans are voted down next week she only has three days to return to Parliament with fresh proposals.
Emerging from the Downing Street reception, Mr Rees-Mogg denied he wanted a hard Brexit. He told reporters he wanted a deal, just not the deal negotiated by Mrs May.
The MP for North East Somerset also branded the Government's defeat on Wednesday as "completely meaningless" because the motion could potentially "sit on the table" for years.
He added: "I'm all in favour of getting a deal, I just don't like the deal that's on offer at the moment.
"The motion today is completely meaningless. Some motions have sat on the table for about two years."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock and 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady did not respond to questions as they left the reception.
Pro-second referendum protesters staged a demonstration in Whitehall as the drinks reception was held for Conservatives.
Remain campaigners were pictured offering free champagne to politicians on their way into Downing Street.
