The dramatic shift in the prime minister’s no-deal Brexit position

The prime minister is tonight preparing a dramatic shift in her Brexit policy, namely an announcement that if her reworked Brexit deal is not passed by MPs on or before 12 March she will shortly afterwards give MPs a binding vote on whether or not to go ahead with a no-deal Brexit on 29 March.

This would be seen by many as a significant U-turn – because she will promise to abide by the will of parliament, and thereby admit that a significant Brexit delay may be necessary.

As of tonight there was still uncertainty among her colleagues whether she would press the button on the volte face and put it to her cabinet tomorrow morning – where it will cause a furious row between Brexiters and Remainers.

The Brexiters are acutely aware that MPs would almost certainly vote to force the prime minister to delay Brexit and therefore prevent a no-deal departure on 29 March.