The high-profile pro-Brexit MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has appeared to suggest he could back Theresa May's deal if it means that Brexit actually happens.
It came after MPs voted to take control of the Brexit agenda in the House of Commons.
Speaking to the Conservative Home website, Mr Rees-Mogg said that the withdrawal agreement is "definitely not" worse than not leaving the EU.
He argued: "I'm concerned that her deal is in no way a good deal - the backstop is particularly problematic, but there are other problems with it.
"Against that, there are the threats of a long delay and many people in Parliament who want to frustrate the results of the referendum.
"I've always thought that no-deal is better than Mrs May's deal, but Mrs May's deal is better than not leaving at all."
Acknowledging that Mrs May has ruled out a no-deal exit, he admitted that a deal or no Brexit "becomes the choice eventually" - although he questioned whether they've reached that point yet.
Indicative votes
Last night, MPs backed a move last night to hold a series of 'indicative votes' on alternatives to Theresa May's deal.
It's an attempt to break the ongoing deadlock by seeing if there's enough support for a different approach.
Mrs May yesterday admitted she doesn't have enough support to bring her withdrawal agreement back for a third meaningful vote.
Last night, MPs voted by a majority of 27 to take control of parliamentary time on Wednesday to vote for other options.
The options MPs are likely to consider include a customs union, a second referendum, no deal and revoking Article 50.
30 Conservatives were among those who voted in favour of the motion, although the DUP backed the government.
Three pro-Remain ministers stepped down to vote against the government.
One of those who resigned, Richard Harrington, claimed: "The government's approach is playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country who are employed by or otherwise depend on business for their livelihood".
This evening I wrote to the PM to offer her my resignation pic.twitter.com/Z0QU5lbeJ1
— Richard Harrington (@Richard4Watford) March 25, 2019
'Humiliating defeat'
Following the result, UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn insisted Mrs May's government must take the process seriously.
He said: "We do not know what the House will decide on Wednesday.
"But I know there are many members of this House who've been working for alternative solutions, and we must debate those to find a consensus."
The party's shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer called it a 'humiliating defeat' for Mrs May.
Another humiliating defeat for a Prime Minister who has lost complete control of her party, her Cabinet and of the Brexit process.
Parliament has fought back - and now has the chance to decide what happens next. https://t.co/pvdt0HbGY8— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 25, 2019
Speaking earlier in the day, Mrs May insisted she'll continue to push for her deal.
She said: "Unless this House agrees to it, no deal will not happen, [and] no Brexit must not happen.
"A slow Brexit - which extends Article 50 beyond the 22nd May - forces the British people to take part in European elections, and gives up control of any of our borders, laws, money or trade... [that] is not a Brexit that will bring the British people together."
Main image: Picture by Matt Dunham/AP/Press Association Images
