Michel Barnier, the EU’s lead negotiator, warned MPs threatening to vote against Mrs May’s withdrawal treaty that the “future of the country is at stake”

European leaders are prepared to offer Britain a three-month extension to Article 50 to prevent parliamentary deadlock triggering a no-deal Brexit.

Under plans being discussed in European capitals the EU would agree to extend Britain’s membership until July to allow time for either a second referendum or to agree a Norway-style soft Brexit.

However, the EU has made clear that the extension would only be offered after parliament had come to a clear conclusion about the type of future relationship it wants.

The move was part of a response to growing fears in Brussels that if Theresa May’s deal is voted down by MPs the ensuing chaos could increase the odds of a no-deal Brexit.

Speaking to the European parliament yesterday, Michel Barnier, the