‘October election’ if MPs block no deal
THE UK could be heading for another general election if MPs back a bid to block a no-deal Brexit today.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted “I don’t want an election, you don’t want an election”, but he said he would not seek an extension to the Brexit deadline – which is what a cross-party alliance are demanding if there is not a deal.
A senior Government source said Mr Johnson would request a general election on October 14 if MPs back the cross-party move to seize control of Commons business today.
The source said the vote would be treated as though it is a vote of no confidence, and that any Conservative MP voting against the Government would have the whip removed from them.
In a statement following an unscheduled Cabinet meeting, Mr Johnson urged his MPs not to join Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in backing a “pointless” delay.
Mr Johnson had to contend with the noise of protesters at the gates of Downing Street as he delivered his statement.
He said if MPs voted against the Government and backed the cross-party Bill, they would “chop the legs” out from under the UK’s position in negotiating a deal with the EU. He said: “I say, to show our friends in Brussels that we are united in our purpose, MPs should vote with the Government against Corbyn’s pointless delay.
“I want everybody to know there are no circumstances in which I will ask Brussels to delay. We are leaving on October 31, no ifs or buts.”
The Prime Minister claimed the chances of a Brexit deal are rising and he was “encouraged by the progress we are making” with Brussels.
Former chancellor Philip Hammond and ex-justice secretary David Gauke are among the senior Tories who have put their name to cross-party legislation which the group hopes to push through the Commons. If MPs agree to allow the group to seize control of Commons business, the legislation will be considered the next day.
Under the terms of the proposed law, the Government must seek a delay to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU until January 31, 2020 if there is no agreement with Brussels in place by October 19 and Parliament has not approved a no-deal Brexit.
Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said it could be Parliament’s “last chance” to stop a “reckless and damaging” no deal.
Mr Johnson put potential Tory rebels on notice that they face losing the whip and being barred from standing for the party if they back the measures.
The PM’s statement came as Tory MPs enjoyed a reception in the gardens of Downing Street – after being ordered to hand in their phones.
Earlier, Mr Johnson was accused of “goading” some Tory MPs to rebel so he can force a snap election, having purged opponents of no deal from the party.
Mr Gauke accused the PM of deliberately trying to lose votes.