Johnson also faces difficulties in Britain with the main opposition Labour and the Scottish National Party (SNP). Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described Johnson's proposals as unworkable, and he said Labour MPs would vote against them.

Despite the avalanche of rejections from all directions, Johnson remained determined.

He said in the Commons: "This government's objective has always been to leave with a deal. And these constructive and reasonable proposals show our seriousness of purpose.

"They do not deliver everything that we would have wished. They do represent a compromise."

"If our European neighbors choose not to show a corresponding willingness to reach a deal, then we shall have to leave on 31 October without an agreement, and we are ready to do so," he added.