Brexit will bring 'enormous' opportunities - May

Prime minister Theresa May has called on voters to back her Brexit plan which will bring about "enormous" opportunities for Britain, in an impassioned speech on Thursday.

May was heavily criticised by the other major parties for not appearing at a television debate on Wednesday, as opinion polls suggest a Conservative landslide is now not on the cards.

With just one week to go before the snap election, May gave the speech on Teesside in an attempt to persuade the public that she was the best person to lead the country into exit negotiations, and that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was not up to the task.

"I am confident that we can fulfill the promise of Brexit together and build a Britain that is stronger, fairer and even more prosperous than it is today," May said.

GREAT NATIONAL MISSION

May added that Brexit was part of a "great national mission", and a Conservative government would lead to a "stronger, fairer and more prosperous Britain".

Just weeks ago it was deemed inconceivable that Labour could gain enough support to stop the Tories strengthening their majority next Thursday, but a series of recent polls showing narrowing margin has ramped up the pressure on May.

Her no-show at last night’s BBC debate led to further questions from Corbyn and other party leaders, to which May came out fighting.

"After last night it's clearer than ever that just 11 days after the election when the negotiations begin, Jeremy Corbyn's focus wouldn't be on trying to negotiate a deal for Britain in Europe, but on trying to stitch up a deal with Nicola Sturgeon and the rest," the PM said.

She repeated her party’s line that Corbyn is “not ready” to take the lead on Brexit negotiations, which are due to begin just days after the general election.