THE NUMBERS

● IF 318 MPs back Theresa May’s Brexit deal she will manage to force her blueprint through the Commons – but at this stage there appears little chance of that.

● The Tories have just 315 MPs so she will need to be rescued by her parliamentary allies, the Democratic Unionist Party.

● However, the DUP – with 10 MPs – hates her Brexit plan, as elements of it would make Northern Ireland different from the rest of the UK.

● In her own party, insiders believe as many as nine Tory Remainers could vote against the PM.

● Up to 80 hardline Tory Brexiteers may do likewise, it was claimed. One source rubbished the idea of such a high number – but conceded that “20 to 25” might defy her.

● Labour MPs are unlikely to back her and she will get support from half the eight Independents at most.