Parliament's final attempt to reach a negotiated settlement with King Charles was held at Newport on the Isle of Wight from September to November 1648. Army radicals and many Independent MPs felt that the King had gone too far in encouraging the Second Civil War and should now be brought to account. The Presbyterian majority in Parliament, however, still believed it possible to negotiate a settlement favourable to their interests. The day after news of Cromwell's victory over the Engagers at Preston was announced, Parliament repealed the Vote of No Addresses and made preparations for a new treaty with the King.
Fifteen commissioners were selected to conduct the negotiations including representatives of both the Presbyterians and Independents. The King was released on parole from his confinement at Carisbrooke Castle and lodged at a house in Newport. The discussions opened on 18 September 1648 in Newport Town Hall on the understanding that they were to last no longer than 40 days. King Charles was secretly planning to escape from the Isle of Wight and his intention was to spin out the negotiations for as long as possible. He gave the appearance of conceding to some of Parliament's demands, agreeing to give control of the militia to Parliament and to allow a Presbyterian system of church government for a limited period. But he was adamant that Episcopacy was not to be abandoned entirely and also that no Royalist leaders should be prosecuted for their actions in the recent war. Although Charles agreed to have no further dealings with the Irish Confederates, he also sent secret instructions to Ormond telling him to disregard anything he conceded whilst in captivity.
The negotiations at Newport continued until 27 November, exceeding the 40-day limit. Presbyterian MPs were prepared to continue negotiating with Charles but by now the Army Grandees had lost patience with both King and Parliament. On 1 December, the King was transferred to more secure quarters at Hurst Castle on the mainland and Commissary-General Ireton set in motion the train of events that led to the Army's purging of Parliament.