WHAT BOOKIES SAY

BOOKMAKER Coral yesterday slashed the odds in half to 3-1 on the UK leaving the EU on October 31 with a deal. It followed the announcement that Boris Johnson has agreed a new deal with the EU.

John Hill, of Coral, said: “Although Downing Street are claiming Boris Johnson has agreed a deal to leave the EU on October 31, our betting suggests he still faces an uphill task to get it through Parliament, so we are odds against for a deal to be fully signed off before the deadline.” To happen on or before October 31, 2019:

Article 50 to be extended and the UK to remain in the EU after October 31. UK to leave EU with a deal. UK to leave EU with no deal.

UK to revoke Article 50. The EU say there is no reason why not. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said there was no need for a “prolongation”.

If the new agreement passes through the UK Parliament, it then returns to Brussels where MEPs must vote to approve it. Although it is a tight time-frame, they say they can manage all of the technicalities in Not completely, but it is looking less likely. Remainer MPs are wary of tacking on a referendum amendment to Johnson’s Withdrawal Agreement when it’s voted on tomorrow because they are worried it would fail.

If the deal passes, then a referendum looks all but impossible. But if it fails, it is highly likely it will reappear. It is probably too late for an election this side of Christmas.

The Labour Party has promised that if no deal is taken off the table, it will call a vote of no confidence in the Government. The SNP says it will make the move if the official Opposition bottles it.