A NO-deal Brexit on April 12 is becoming “increasingly likely”, the European Commission has warned.

In its statement, the European Commission said it had completed its preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit, but warned it would nonetheless cause “significant disruption for citizens and businesses”.

If it crashes out without a deal on April 12, the UK will not benefit from a transition period to new arrangements, but will immediately be subject to checks and tariffs on its exports to the EU, while “significant delays” can be expected at the borders, said officials.

European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said images of an estimated one million people marching in favour of a second Brexit referendum were “very telling”, but added that the commission was negotiating only with the UK Government.

“For as long as the UK Government does not tell us otherwise, we are working on the presumption that the UK will leave the EU,” he told a Brussels press conference.

In an article in the Daily Telegraph, Boris Johnson signalled his belief in the need for a change of leadership. “It is time for the PM to channel the spirit of Moses in Exodus, and say to Pharaoh in Brussels – let my people go,” he said.

The Sun newspaper also used its front page on Monday to urge May to promise to resign in order to win support for her deal from Tory Brexiteers and the DUP.

“She must show she is not just another craven politician determined to cling to power,” it said.