British MPs have again failed to agree on proposals for the next steps in the Brexit process.
The Commons voted on four alternatives to Theresa May’s withdrawal deal, but none gained a majority. One Tory MP resigned the whip in frustration.
Mrs May will now hold a crucial cabinet meeting to decide what to do and whether to put her deal to MPs again.
The UK has until 12 April to either seek a longer extension from the EU or decide to leave without a deal.
The so-called indicative votes on Monday night were not legally binding, so the government would not have been forced to adopt the proposals. But they had been billed as the moment when Parliament might finally compromise.
Mrs May’s plan for the UK’s departure has been rejected by MPs three times.
As a result of that failure, she was forced to ask the EU to agree to postpone Brexit from the original date of 29 March.
Meanwhile, Parliament took control of the process away from the government in order to hold a series of votes designed to find an alternative way forward.
Last week, eight options were put to MPs, but none were able to command a majority, and on Monday night, a whittled down four were rejected too.
Those pushing for a customs union argued that their option was defeated by the narrowest margin, only three votes.
It would see the UK remain in the same system of tariffs – taxes – on goods as the rest of the EU – potentially simplifying the issue of the Northern Ireland border, but preventing the UK from striking independent trade deals with other countries.
Those in favour of another EU referendum pointed out that the motion calling for that option received the most votes in favour, totalling 280.
Following the failure of his own motion, Common Market 2.0, Conservative former minister Nick Boles resigned from the party.
The MP for Grantham and Stamford said he could “no longer sit for this party”, adding: “I have done everything I can to find a compromise.”
As he left the Commons, MPs were heard shouting, “don’t go Nick”, while some MPs from other parties applauded him.
