Jane Merrick is a British political journalist and former political editor of the Independent on Sunday newspaper. The opinions expressed in this commentary are hers.

(CNN) There have been many crucial weeks in the ongoing Brexit saga, but this week could mark the moment when the mist finally clears and Theresa May finds a way forward.

But in order to do so, she will need the help of the UK's lawmakers. And they need to act fast.

Parliament has, so far, blocked the Prime Minister's plan on how the country should exit the European Union. But in a series of votes on Tuesday, it is the turn of lawmakers to set out what they want Brexit to look like.

This isn't only the point at which the House of Commons needs to reach a decision. It is also time for May to come up with a real alternative that can win support in both parliament and in Brussels.

There is a renewed urgency to the votes this week. As of Monday, there are 60 days left before Britain must leave the EU, with or without a deal. Only legislation or approval from Brussels will allow that deadline to be extended. But in reality, that timescale is much tighter: of those 60 days, lawmakers are sitting for just over half because of weekends, a February week-long recess and most Fridays when the Commons does not meet.

Read More