What are the alternatives being offered to Theresa May’s deal?

Theresa May is facing a struggle to get her Brexit deal through the House of Commons. But what are the alternative outcomes being proposed by her critics? Canada-plus-plus-plus: Boris Johnson and other prominent Brexiters believe the UK should strike a free trade agreement (FTA) similar to that reached between the EU and Canada in 2016, which removed tariffs on 98 per cent of goods. Under an FTA of this kind, the UK would not be in a customs union and so would be free to strike other trade deals around the world. The “pluses” which are not included in Canada’s CETA deal could include free trade in services and co-operation on security. But critics say a Canada-style FTA would not provide the same access currently enjoyed to the EU market for services – and would require customs checks.

Norway for now: A softer route to EU withdrawal proposed by Tory backbencher Nick Boles and backed by some Labour MPS would see the UK take on temporary membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (Efta) alongside countries like Norway and Iceland while a future trade deal is negotiated. Efta membership would allow the UK to remain within a common market area with the EU and continue existing customs arrangements, while pulling out of common agricultural and fishing policies. But critics say it would mean accepting freedom of movement for EU citizens.

No deal: The staunchest Brexiteers, like Jacob Rees-mogg and John Redwood, say Britain has nothing to fear from EU withdrawal without a deal. This would involve the UK falling back on World Trade Organisation rules which provide baseline requirements for tariff and customs arrangements between countries outside trading blocs like the EU. Critics say this would result in high tariffs on many goods and exclusion from existing Europe-wide systems in areas like aviation, food safety and credit card payments, with a damaging impact on the UK economy. But advocates of no deal insist the UK could offer low- or zero-tariff trade to partners and benefit from swift FTAS around the world. Renegotiation by Labour: Labour’s preferred option, if Mrs May’s Brexit deal fails, is for a general election which would allow Jeremy Corbyn’s party to take control of the government and negotiate a new Withdrawal Agreement on its own terms. Second referendum: Supporters of the People’s Vote campaign want a referendum on any withdrawal deal – or no deal – with the option of remaining in the EU on the ballot paper. They argue that voters in the 2016 referendum which delivered a 52 per cent-48 per cent majority for Leave did not have full information about what Brexit would involve, and should have a chance to make a decision based on a clearer understanding of the terms on offer.

EU leaders have indicated they would be happy to accept Britain staying on as a member.