SO, IS HE RIGHT? REBELS’ OPTIONS

AS THINGS stand, Britain will leave the EU automatically on October 31. But when Parliament returns in September, some Tories such as Dominic Grieve will join opposition parties to try to stop No Deal. Associate Editor JACK DOYLE looks at their options – and chances of success...

EMERGENCY MOTION

Passing an emergency motion, or resolution of the House, is the potential first step, and has the advantage of being readily available. Petition Speaker John Bercow (who would surely approve) for a debate, and at the end a vote on whether the House is opposed to No Deal, for which there is a majority against. But Boris Johnson has made clear he will simply ignore something that is not legally binding. CHANCES OF SUCCESS: ZERO

PETITION THE QUEEN

Among the most bizarre suggestions floated by Remainer MPs is a ‘humble address’ to the Queen, asking Her Majesty to travel to the next EU summit in October and request an extension to Article 50. Unlikely to pass, given MPs would face accusations of dragging the impartial monarch into their Brexit war. CHANCES OF SUCCESS: ZERO

EXTEND ARTICLE 50

MPs could try to force Mr Johnson to ask the EU for an extension to Article 50 before October 31. With the help of the Speaker, the rebels could use an earlier trick of seizing control of the Commons order paper and passing a Bill. But is there time, with MPs sitting for barely a month between September 3 and exit day and ministers determined to limit their opportunities? And even then, could Mr Johnson ask for an extension but find a way to refuse whatever the EU offers? CHANCES OF SUCCESS: SLIM

COLLAPSE THE GOVERNMENT

With a majority of just one, Mr Johnson is vulnerable to a confidence vote, and several rebel Remainer Tories have vowed to bring the Government down in order to stop No Deal. If he loses, there is a 14-day window in which a new government could be formed if someone else can patch together a majority – or the country goes to the polls. But controversially, Mr Johnson could use his powers to set the date of the election after October 31. We would then leave, and go to the polls the following week. CHANCES OF SUCCESS: POSSIBLE