Theresa May has warned her Cabinet ministers that they will be replaced by a “talented new generation” and quickly forgotten if they resign over Brexit.

A Downing Street source has suggested that one or two resignations might not cause the Prime Minister too much damage as she tries to stamp her authority on her Cabinet.

Number 10 has told ministers arriving at Chequers that business cards for local taxi firms are in the foyer of Chequers so they can make the 40 mile journey back to London if they resign and lose the right to use their ministerial cars.