The European Union has made clear that the Brexit ball is now firmly in the UK’s court after Theresa May suffered the worst defeat in House of Commons history, officials have said.

A senior EU official told BuzzFeed News on Wednesday morning: “The 27 will not move at all without some very precise clarity from May.”

Her withdrawal agreement was opposed by 432 votes to 202 on Tuesday, a historic margin of 230.



In a statement released after the result, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said that the EU will work to ratify Theresa May's deal regardless, and urged the UK to "clarify its intentions as soon as possible".

"On the EU side, the process of ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement continues," he said.

"The Withdrawal Agreement is a fair compromise and the best possible deal. It reduces the damage caused by Brexit for citizens and businesses across Europe. It is the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union."

He added that the EU is preparing for the increased risk of a no-deal Brexit.

"The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared."



Juncker ended the statement with the words: "Time is almost up."



The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier confirmed this position on Wednesday morning, telling the European Parliament: "Whatever happens, ratification of the withdrawal agreement is necessary. It is a precondition."

Tuesday's historic defeat left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a no-deal Brexit, he said, and the bloc is ramping up preparations for such an eventuality.

He added the EU will discuss an alternative deal if the UK changes its "red lines".

European Council president Donald Tusk suggested in a cryptic tweet on Tuesday night that the UK should stay in the EU.