A European Commission spokesperson said today that the bloc was still hoping to avoid no-deal Brexit. But EU is prepared for such an outcome. She noted that “a no-deal scenario is not our preferred option,” but reiterated that the current withdrawal agreement was the “best possible” one. And, “our no-deal preparedness protects the EU 27 and the interests in the case of a no-deal Brexit,”

She also noted that the Commission does remain available over the coming weeks should the United Kingdom wish to hold talks and clarify its position in more detail, whether by phone or in person.”

Earlier, The Guardian reported that no-deal Brexit is now UK government’s central scenario. An unnamed EU official was quoted saying the UK has ““no intention to negotiate, which would require a plan”.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May continued to sell her Brexit agreement in her New Year message. He said that “the Brexit deal I have negotiated delivers on the vote of the British people and in the next few weeks MPs will have an important decision to make.” She emphasized that “if parliament backs a deal, Britain can turn a corner.”

May added that “the referendum in 2016 was divisive but we all want the best for our country and 2019 can be the year we put our differences aside and move forward together, into a strong new relationship with our European neighbors and out into the world as a globally trading nation,” And, “we have all we need to thrive and if we come together in 2019 I know we can make a success of what lies ahead.”

MPs are expected to re-start the debate on the Brexit agreement in the week of January 7 and a Commons vote is scheduled for the week of January 14. In the coming days, a focus will be on what further political and even legally assurances the EU will give regarding the non-permanent nature of the Irish backstop.