Brexit could be suspended if MPs reject Theresa Mays controversial draft deal, the justice secretary has warned.
David Gauke said a suspension of the entire process or a no deal Brexit are the only two options if the deal does not pass through the Commons.
The prime minister has faced a backlash from Brexiteers over the last week, with some sending in letters of no confidence in the hope of triggering a leadership challenge.
However, their momentum has stalled in recent days.
In a message to rebel Tories on ITVs Good Morning Britain, Mr Gauke said their opposition to Mrs May could have huge consequences.
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He said: What happens if this deal is defeated is that we are left with two very, very difficult options.
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One is a crashing out, no deal Brexit which will mean jobs will be lost and living standards will be reduced, or we are put in a position of deferring or suspending Brexit which wouldnt be respecting the referendum results.
Those choices will become increasingly clear over the weeks ahead and in those circumstances I think Parliament will take a sensible, pragmatic view that we should proceed with this deal.
Last week, Jacob Rees-Mogg led a group of Eurosceptic MPs who aimed to force a vote of no confidence in Mrs May.
But despite confident early predictions they would reach the 48 letters of no confidence needed to trigger a vote, support appears to have dwindled.
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In a bid to drum up support, Mr Rees-Mogg, the leader of the pro-Brexit European Research Group (ERG), said the Conservatives will be stuck with Mrs May for the next election unless she leaves office now.
He said: I think it is now or the prime minister will lead the Conservatives into the next election.
You find MPs privately who will say to you they think that is a really good idea in any number and I would be quite surprised.
While party rules would permit a fresh challenge in a years time if there was a failed attempt now, he said that in practice it was doubtful that would happen.
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Asked if his attempt to unseat the prime minister had been exposed as a Dads Army operation, Mr Rees-Mogg replied: Ive always admired Captain Mainwaring.
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