Following Tuesday night’s second crushing defeat of Theresa May’s deal, MPs will vote on whether to approve crashing out of the EU without a Brexit agreement – but, as ever, it’s not that simple.

There is growing anger that the prime minister has gone back on her promise to give the Commons a simple veto over a no-deal Brexit threatening her with yet another defeat.

What does the crucial motion say?

It states the Commons “declines to approve leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement” on 29 March, but with the caveat that “leaving without a deal remains the default”.

The prime minister has granted Tory MPs a free vote – to prevent ministerial resignations – while strongly hinting she would vote for it herself.

So what’s the problem?

It is widely seen as a sneaky attempt to calm Brexiteer anger by leaving no-deal on the table, rather than allowing MPs to properly state their opposition to such a policy.

Hence, an immediate cross-party amendment stating simply that the Commons “rejects the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement”.

The amendment has been tabled the Tories’ Caroline Spelman and Labour’s Jack Dromey and is gathering pace, with the support of big-hitters on both sides.

What happens if it passes?

It would strike out the government’s motion – and therefore, be yet another defeat for the prime minister, who is already battered and beleaguered and croaking like a Dalek.

Is that it?

It gets worse. No 10 intends to whip against any amendments, but might now be forced to concede a further free vote or face a revolt by around 20 fiercely anti-no-deal ministers.

Any other problems?

Yes. A further Tory amendment, dubbed ‘Malthouse Compromise B’, would dump the Brexit deal yet demand a transition period – despite the EU repeatedly ruling that out as a fantasy.

At a cabinet meeting this morning, several ministers called for a free vote on that as well, with the threat of resignations from the Brexiteer side if they are whipped against it.

What time will the votes be?