Boris’ Brexit battle

UK anti-leave politicians in last attempt to delay no-deal bill

BRITISH parliament is set for an explosive week as Prime Minister Boris Johnson stares down his own party members who want to sabotage his nodeal Brexit plans.

Parliament returns today for a brief session before Mr Johnson prorogues, or cancels, sittings until October 14.

A group of anti-Brexit politicians, including Conservative MPs, will try to ram through legislation this week to delay the UK’s departure from Europe beyond October 31.

But Mr Johnson has warned that taking a no-deal Brexit off the table means Europe would not make any concessions.

It comes as News Corp understands that plans are being drawn up for UK international trade secretary Liz Truss to visit Australia.

Anti-Brexit campaigners have only this week to stop a no-deal Brexit or call a vote of no-confidence in Mr Johnson that could lead to a general election.

Matthew Lesh, head of research at think tank the Adam Smith Institute, said: “A majority of parliamentarians are clearly against a no-deal.

“It’s a question of whether they have the ability in parliament to put up legislation to TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 block a no-deal. If they do, it would seriously undermine Boris’ negotiating leverage with the EU, which depends on the ability to walk away.”

Mr Lesh said that Australia would be able to sign a trade deal with the UK quickly if there was a clean break from Europe, with or without a deal.

“What would be even worse, both for the UK and for Australia, is if the UK joins a customs union with the EU. This would mean the EU setting the UK’s trade policy, which would prevent the UK from negotiating an independent trade deal with Australia,” he said.

Britain has previously rejected a withdrawal agreement negotiated with the European Union, which led to former Prime Minister Theresa May’s resignation.