LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman on Monday said he expected cabinet ministers to keep backing their leader on Brexit, and that they would be called to a meeting to discuss an EU exit deal as and when there was something to talk about.

The spokesman also told reporters that negotiations with the European Union were ongoing, with negotiators working into the early hours, but that substantial issues relating to Northern Ireland remain.

Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy came under attack from all sides on Monday, increasing the risk that her plan for leaving the EU will be voted down by parliament and thrust the United Kingdom towards a potentially chaotic "no-deal" Brexit.

Less than five months before Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29, negotiators are still haggling over a backup plan for the land border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, if they fail to clinch a deal.

May's compromise Brexit plan, which seeks to leave the EU but keep closer trade ties, is facing opposition from Brexiteers, pro-Europeans, the Northern Irish party that props up her government, and even some of her own ministers.

Reuters