Theresa May has faced questions over a potential delay to Brexit amid reports Downing Street is considering the option of a short extension to Article 50.
During a brief press conference at the close of the EU-Arab summit in Egypt, the prime minister, however, continued to insist that leaving the bloc on the 29 March was "within our grasp".
Her remarks came as a series of EU leaders raised the prospect of extending the negotiations, as the European Council president, Donald Tusk, added it would be a "ration solution" - given the lack of a parliamentary majority for Ms May's Brexit deal.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who had talks with Mrs May in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday, said the UK needed to "wake up".
Mr Rutte told the BBC: "The Netherlands is one of your best friends. What you guys are doing - leaving EU in this time of insecurity in the world, instability in EU - is the wrong decision.
"It's four weeks until the end date and still the UK has not agreed a position. So, now we are sleepwalking into a no-deal scenario. It's unacceptable and your best friends have to warn you.
Challenged over whether MPs would be able to vote on any additional assurances she secures from Brussels before they have been formally signed off by the EU27, Mrs May told reporters: "It is possible to do it either way."
Rejecting calls for a delay, the Prime Minister added: "An extension to Article 50, a delay in this process, doesn't deliver a decision in Parliament, it doesn't deliver a deal. All it does is precisely what the word 'delay' says.
"Any extension of Article 50 isn't addressing the issues.
The European parliament’s Brexit chief Guy Verhofstadt also branded her decision to postpone the Commons ballot “one of the most reckless” he had ever seen, accusing Ms May of “kicking the can down the road”.
Theresa May could announce Brexit delay upon return from EU leaders' meeting, minister hints
Theresa May could announce a delay to Brexit upon her return from an EU leaders' gathering in Egypt, a government minister has hinted.
The remarks from Tobias Ellwood follow Ms May's decision not to hold a second vote on her deal this week and reports suggested a two-month extension of Article 50 is being considered by Downing Street officials.
Asked if the prime minister could announce an Article 50 extension after her return from talks with other EU leaders in Egypt, the defence minister said: "You need to wait and hear what she has to say when she gets back.
"That, I don't know. I'm encouraging that to happen because it's not in anybody's interest to see no deal."
The official said Mrs May had a "good, friendly" 45-minute meeting with Mrs Merkel on the fringes of the EU-League of Arab States summit they are attending.
The issue of extending Article 50 came up briefly in the meeting, and Mrs May reiterated that the UK wanted to leave the EU with a deal on the scheduled date of March 29, the official said.
Ms May is also expected to take part in a press conference around 1.30pm.
"I think it is now obvious that we have a much larger number of people with hardcore anti-Semitic opinions which unfortunately is polluting the atmosphere in a lot of constituency parties and in particular online. We have to deal with these people."
He welcomed Tom Watson's decision to bring forward cases of alleged antisemitism, saying: "I think it is a responsibility of everyone in the Labour Party, from the top to the bottom, to report cases ... I think we should be more proactive in going out and seeking cases, so I welcome that."
Mr Lansman - who is himself Jewish - said he was "extremely upset" by Ms Berger's departure, adding: "I think any Jewish member of the party leaving the party because of anti-Semitism is a source of tremendous regret and sadness and some shame."
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Guy Verhofstadt criticises Theresa May's 'reckless' decision to postpone meaningful vote on Brexit deal
The European Parliament’s Brexit chief has criticised Theresa May for delaying a parliamentary vote on her deal, branding the decision “one of the most reckless” he had ever seen in his life.
Guy Verhofstadt accused the prime minister of “kicking the can down the road” and adding to the “crippling uncertainty” for citizens and businesses.
The prime minister announced over the weekend that she would not be holding a Commons vote this week, despite a looming deadline to ratify an agreement before the UK crashes out.
Theresa May in last-ditch plea to stop cabinet ministers blocking no-deal Brexit
Theresa May has just 48 hours to persuade Remainer cabinet ministers against backing plans for parliament to seize control of Brexit and delay Britain’s departure from the EU.
The prime minister will make a statement urging members of her own front bench not to support the proposal on Wednesday, despite also revealing that the historic vote on her new Brexit deal is now likely to be just 17 days before the UK is set to depart.
Pro-EU cabinet ministers who previously threatened to back delaying Brexit have indicated they will “listen carefully” to Ms May, but the chances of the prime minister suffering a damaging defeat over it this week look high.
Opinion: Despite the cabinet revolt, Theresa May’s Brexit star is rising
Theresa May continues on her twin tracks towards achieving the impossible, writes Indy political commentator John RentoulMs Soubry said: "This minister, with the agreement of the government, said 'We will give you these papers'. These papers are really, really important.
"What they show is an impartial, honest appraisal of the grave dangers to our country in trade and economic terms if we leave without a deal. We believe that the public have a right to see those papers."
She said: "At the moment, I am putting my faith in good ministers who were promising that what I need will be delivered in time for Wednesday's debate. That's the critical thing, because it will inform MPs."
Theresa May filmed playing pool with Italian prime minister
Footage has emerged of Theresa May playing pool with Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte.
“I’ll have a lot of support but I’ll be hopeless,” she says as he hands her a cue.
“You’ll have to show me how.”
Mr Conte briefly explains to the prime minister how to play.
Gavin Barwell, her chief of staff, then shows her how to use her hand as a bridge and how to hold the cue.
Irish prime minister Varadkar backs ‘long extension’ to Article 50 as Brexit deadline approaches
Taoiseach says complications caused by extension would be outweighed by economic problems of no-deal"I believe everyone will be flexible, no one wants the UK to leave the EU in a disorderly way," Lars Lokke Rasmussen told Danish broadcaster TV2 on Monday.
Independent Group to bring contempt proceedings if government fails to publish no-deal Brexit papers within 48 hours
Independent Group MPs will bring contempt proceedings if the government fails to publish cabinet papers on the damage from a no-deal Brexit within 48 hours.
Both Chuka Umunna, a former Labour MP, and Anna Soubry, an-ex Conservative, warned Theresa May that the deadline – agreed in parliament two weeks ago – had to be met.
“If they don't do so, we will immediately move to institute contempt proceedings against them in the Commons for going back on their promises,” Mr Umunna said.
What is going to happen next week as ‘crunch’ moment awaits?
This week the different strands of Brexit turmoil wind together to tie Theresa May into her most difficult bind yet, writes political editor Joe Watts
Brexit delay is 'rational' solution, EU president Tusk says
The IndependentEuropean Council president suggests Theresa May to Brexit delay, however"Any extension of Article 50 isn't addressing the issues.
"We have it within our grasp. I've had a real sense from the meetings I've had here and the conversations I've had in recent days that we can achieve that deal.
"It's within our grasp to leave with a deal on March 29 and that's where all of my energies are going to be focused."
Asked whether MPs could vote on a deal first or whether Brussels would have to approve the agreement first, the PM replied: "It is possible to do it either way."
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