British Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking to downplay the rift in her cabinet as ministers disagree on how to leave the European Union.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has been pushing to delay the immigration-control measures but that enrages other ministers and draws severe criticism.

The measures were proposed by Home Secretary Amber Rudd to close the door to unskilled EU migrants.

However, the European Union warns doing that will lead to the termination of membership to the single market.

Trying to play down the rift, Theresa May's office urges unity among ministers ahead of the start of formal negotiations by March next year.