PRETTY VACANT

and arguments which became evident amongst EU member states faced with outcomes they don’t like.

“We will not accept any deal which poses a long-term risk to the constitutional and economic integrity of the United Kingdom.”

She was also under pressure within her party as 18 ministers, including Cabinet members, threatened to resign unless the PM allowed “indicative” votes on alternatives to her deal.

The Remainers plan to support an amendment on Monday – tabled by Labour’s Yvette Cooper, Tory Sir Oliver Letwin and others – that would take control of the process.

As well as no-deal, revoking Article 50 and Mrs May’s deal, MPS would be asked about a second referendum, a customs union deal, a Norwayplus EEA deal, or a Canada-plus free trade deal.

Business Secretary Greg Clark later confirmed MPS would be allowed to express their views on the options if Mrs May’s deal is not passed.

The PM’S deputy David Lidington is said to be floating the idea that MPS could list their preferred options at once, in order. It could be done on paper rather than through the lobbies. Leave-supporting Tories vented their fury, fearing Brexit is at risk. Steve Double called for “new leadership” and Michael Fabricant said: “We need a Churchill, not a Chamberlain.” Andrea Jenkyns added: “The Cabinet and Chief Whip need to tell her to resign.”

Mrs May’s late-night speech at No10 on Wednesday, which blamed MPS for the Brexit impasse, had already provoked widespread anger.

In her letter to MPS yesterday, Mrs May tried to strike a conciliatory tone, stating: “You have a difficult job to do and it was not my intention to make it any more difficult.”

It also emerged Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, visited Mrs May at No10 on Monday after being “bombarded” with messages from Tory MPS demanding she should quit.

EU leaders lined up for a photo in Brussels yesterday, but Mrs May was missing as she left the summit early.

Meanwhile, former UKIP chief Nigel Farage vowed to lead the new Brexit Party if the UK takes part in European Parliament elections.