What now for Britain's troubled Brexit?

Election gamble

Britain is not scheduled to hold a national election until 2022, but the gridlock in Parliament makes a snap vote more likely.

Opposition politicians think the only way forward is an early election that could rearrange Parliament and break the political deadlock. They could try to bring down the government in a no-confidence vote, triggering a general election.

Or the government could pull the trigger itself if it thinks it has nothing to lose.

May promised to quit if her Brexit deal was approved and Britain left the EU in May. Even though it was defeated she will still face huge pressure to resign, paving the way for a Conservative Party leadership contest.

New referendum

Another option considered by lawmakers this week called for any deal to be put to public vote in a "confirmatory referendum." The idea has significant support from opposition parties, plus some members of the Conservatives.

The government has ruled out holding another referendum on Britain's EU membership, but could change its mind if there appeared no other way to pass a Brexit deal.

Britain voted by 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU in 2016. Since then, polls suggest the "remain" side has gained in strength, but it's far from clear who would win a new referendum. It could leave Britain just as divided over Europe as it is now.

AP