Pro-Brexit MPs are expressing "strong interest" in a "plan B" for Brexit that would see the UK scrap the planned transition period and adopt a Norway-style relationship with the EU while negotiating a new trade deal.

Nick Boles, the former minister advocating a plan for the UK to attempt to temporarily continue membership of the the European Economic Area while it strikes an agreement with Brussels, said Brexiteers were seeking meetings with him to discuss the proposals, amid growing concern about Theresa May's negotiations with Brussels.

Among those who have expressed interest in the proposal is believed to be David Davis, the former Brexit Secretary, whose former chief of staff, Stewart Jackson drew criticism from pro-Brexit colleagues last week when he said the plan had "many" benefits.

Mr Boles, an ally of Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, said the proposal, which he has called a "Better Brexit", is generating "strong interest" from cabinet ministers and senior MPs, including Brexiteers, seeking a fallback plan that could command support from a majority of Tories.

It comes as the Government is attempting to negotiate an exit mechanism from a proposed insurance plan, or "backstop", under which the UK would remain part of the EU's customs union if no other deal is reached, in order to avoid a hard border in Ireland.