Following is a list of possible scenarios after the European Union categorically rejected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's request to renegotiate a new agreement on BRICEST, removing the controversial "safety net" clause.
EU offers concessions to Boris Johnson
European leaders have accepted a new BRICC agreement with the removal of the clause on a "safety net" aimed at avoiding the return of physical borders between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic following Britain's exit from the European Union.
But this scenario, which would avoid the economic consequences of an unregulated BRICST, is unlikely to happen. European leaders have said they do not intend to reopen negotiations on the BRICST agreement, which was reached after difficult talks.
EU chief negotiator on Brixt Michel Barnier on Thursday described Boris Johnson's proposal to scrap the safety net as "unacceptable".
If European leaders offer major concessions to Britain, they will set a precedent that might encourage other skeptical EU states to avoid it.
Exit without agreement
The second scenario is that the two sides will not reach an agreement and Britain will exit the EU without an agreement, a scenario that Boris Johnson says he is ready for, and that he intends to leave the union by October 31 at any price after twice the postponement.
"Britain is ready to face this situation better than many think," Johnson said Thursday. He expressed his desire to accelerate the pace of preparations, but in this scenario raises the issue of London's payment of 39 billion pounds (45.5 billion euros) to the European Union.
Johnson asked Michael Goff (his right arm in the government) to make preparations for BRICST without an agreement of his "absolute priority".
The British parliament is opposed to the majority of the "Brikst without agreement", and to do so Johnson may decide to suspend parliament, and thus prevent MPs from voting, but such a move may cause a political crisis.
Second referendum or early elections
The leader of Britain's largest opposition party, Jeremy Corbin, is calling for the British to be allowed to express their views on BRICEST in a new "referendum" or in early legislative elections.
Such a ballot may be organized after a vote of no-confidence motion by the Labor Party is voted on, but it is waiting for the best timing to do so. As the parliament recess begins on Thursday evening, the opposition will not be able to make such a note before the summer break ends in early September.
Johnson may call for elections in the hope of strengthening his majority, which currently does not exceed two votes thanks to the support of his ally the Northern Irish Union Party small.