MPs may have to wait until March 12 for a “meaningful” vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal – just 17 days before the UK is due to leave, the Prime Minister revealed today.

Her first plan was crushed by a record 230 votes in January, forcing her to rethink.

She will update the Commons this Tuesday before her latest test on Wednesday, when MPs will try and force her to take a no-deal departure off the table.

But finally confirming what was widely thought in Westminster, she admitted MPs will not get a full, second "meaningful vote" on a revised Brexit deal this Wednesday.

Instead she will kick the can down the road yet again for up to another fortnight while officials negotiate with the EU.

“My team will be back in Brussels again this coming week,” she said.

“As a result, we won’t bring a meaningful vote to Parliament this week, but we will ensure that that happens by March 12."

Adding insult to injury she did not guarantee Brexit will happen on time, instead saying: "It is still within our grasp to leave the European Union with a deal on March 29."

MPs lashed out at the decision today – which fuelled claims she is “running down the clock” before presenting MPs with a “take it or leave it” choice between her pact and no pact.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "This decision to further delay the meaningful vote is the height of irresponsibility.

"Theresa May is recklessly running down the clock in a desperate attempt to force MPs to choose between her deal and no deal. Parliament cannot stand by and allow this happen."

Edwin Morgan, Interim Director General of the Institute of Directors, said there would likely need to be a "limited technical extension" to the March 29 date of Brexit.

He said: “With today’s announcement, it’s clear the writing is on the wall.

"There appears to be little realistic chance of a deal being agreed and the necessary legislation getting through by 29 March.

"There is too much at stake to run down the clock and risk an accidental no deal. We sincerely hope this is the last and final date change."

Labour MP Wes Streeting said: "This is outrageous. The Prime Minister continues to run down the clock, with all the risks involved.

"No deal becomes even more likely.

"It is time for members of the Government to take a stand alongside the majority of the House of Commons."

Labour MP Ian C Lucas said: "This is utterly absurd". Lib Dem Layla Moran added: "I am fuming!!! This is ridiculous!!!!!"

Shadow Health Minister Justin Madders said: "This is not leadership, this is playing poker with the country’s future."

Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: "This is the PM taking the ball to the corner flag as we approach 90 minutes. Ugly, but it might be effective unless parliament votes for extra time…or a replay…"

It comes after Business Secretary Greg Clark, Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd and Justice Secretary David Gauke signalled they are ready to support an amendment designed to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

Mrs May has kept the option of No Deal open as negotiations with Brussels over the Irish backstop – a clause that could trap the UK under EU customs rules – continue.

But the amendment would force her to delay Brexit beyond March 29 rather than quit without a deal.

Hitting back at calls to extend Article 50 – the mechanism for leaving the EU – she said: “People talk about extending Article 50 as if that will solve the issue.

“Of course it won’t, it defers the point of decision.

“There comes a point where we need to make that decision.”

Yet the PM signalled the three Cabinet Ministers will not be sacked for speaking out and planning to rebel.

Speaking as she flew to the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for an EU-Arab League summit, Mrs May insisted “collective responsibility has not broken down”.

But she refused to say whether the trio were “unsackable”.

She said: “What we have seen around the Cabinet table, in the party and in the country at large is strong views on the issue of Europe.

“That’s not a surprise to anybody.”

The Chancellor’s Spring Statement mini-Budget is due to take place on March 13.

And the PM will attend an EU summit in Brussels on March 21 – just eight days before Britain is due to leave.

If Mrs May loses the meaningful vote, the showdown in the city could see her beg bloc chiefs for last-minute changes or legal guarantees over the backstop to avoid the UK plunging out without a deal.

Meanwhile Labour is considering whether to back a plan this Wednesday by MPs Phil Wilson and Peter Kyle that would allow a second EU referendum.

Under the Kyle/Wilson plan, MPs WOULD back Theresa May’s Brexit deal – but on the condition it’s then put to the people in a referendum.

Shadow Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner today said talks are still ongoing but said the amendment was "helpful".

He told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "The closer we get to no deal the more important that safety net of a second referendum becomes. And what I think we’re seeing in this coming week is the movement towards that as that safety net against no deal.”

And deputy Labour leader Tom Watson said he could join a march for a second referendum on Brexit, adding: "We’re moving in that direction".

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