MPs may not get a new “meaningful vote” on Theresa May’s revised Brexit deal until March 12 – just 17 days before the UK is due to leave the European Union.
Prime minister May announced the delay at the weekend during an EU summit held in Sharm el Sheikh.
Ministers had been expecting to have their say during a Commons vote this week.
It follows the votes of February 14 when May was given a mandate to return to the EU and seek amendments to Britain’s exit deal with regards to the Irish backstop.
Should May fail to secure new terms with EU leaders, she will aim to push through the deal a second time, albeit open to amendments.
Three cabinet ministers – Amber Rudd, David Gauke and Greg Clark – have written to the PM telling her they will vote against any motion that risks a no-deal Brexit and have called on Article 50 to be extended if no deal is agreed by mid-March.
It comes after eight Labour MPs and three Conservatives quit their parties last week to set up a new Independent Group in the Commons over issues including anti-semitism and Brexit.