British Prime Minister Theresa May (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Whitehall sources said they believe there is only a very small chance of the government failing to secure a deal, but that preparations are being stepped up in what they described as “the unlikely event” of that happening.

It has been reported that Fox’s statement was part of a strategy to pressure the EU leaders to seriously consider May’s proposals. Former Brexit Secretary David Davis has warned that the EU might be making a huge mistake to assume that the UK is not prepared to leave the bloc without a trade deal.