The Prime Minister is running out of options

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In her statement, the Prime Minister insisted the blueprint is still the only credible plan. She has promised to tweak her proposals for the Irish border in time for next month’s Brussels summit in the hope of making it more palatable for the EU, but this would still leave huge trade differences.

Free trade agreement

There is growing pressure from Eurosceptic Conservatives, including Boris Johnson and Jacob Reesmogg, for Mrs May to switch tack and go for a simple Canadastyle free trade agreement with the EU. But critics fear a deal like this would disrupt supply chains and limit access to EU markets for financial services.

Soft Brexit

Labour is urging Mrs May to opt for the closest possible EU relationship after Brexit, through membership of a customs union and an internal market arrangement.

Divide and rule

In the face of inflexibility from Brussels’ chief negotiator Michel Barnier, the UK has attempted a charm offensive in the 27 EU capitals. But despite some helpful noises from Hungary and Poland, this tactic has so far borne little fruit.

No deal

The nuclear option. Mrs May has always said that no deal is better than a bad deal, and the Government insists it is well on the way to preparing for this eventuality.

Pause Article 50

Article 50 of the EU treaties allows two years for negotiations after a member state has said it intends to leave. This runs out for the UK on March 29, 2019. It can be extended by unanimous agreement of the remaining 27 members.

General election

After throwing away her majority in the disastrous 2017 snap election, Mrs May is likely to be wary about going to the country again.

Resignation

With her plans apparently in tatters, Mrs May could let another leader have a go. A resignation would give time for a Brexiteer like Mr Johnson to attempt to secure the “clean” withdrawal which many Conservatives would prefer.

Second referendum

Mrs May has repeatedly stated that there will be no re-run of the 2016 poll. But pressure is building for what supporters call a People’s Vote on the final deal.