Johnson says EU and MPs are in cahoots

Boris Johnson has accused MPs and the EU of collaborating to block Brexit, as he warned of the increasing risk of leaving without a deal.

The prime minister claimed Brussels is “not moving in their willingness to compromise” and warned a no-deal Brexit becomes more likely the longer this goes on.

He urged the UK’s “European friends to compromise” but said their position is likely to harden the more they believe Westminster can block Brexit.

Mr Johnson’s remarks, made during a self-styled “People’s PMQs” from his Downing Street desk, came after the European Commission insisted Britain needs to explain its ideas on the way forward. Vanessa Mock, a European Commission spokeswoman, said “our doors are open” to discuss matters with the UK although any “concrete proposals” should be “compatible” with the Withdrawal Agreement”.

Philip Hammond also made his first major intervention since quitting as chancellor, arguing a no-deal Brexit would be “as much a betrayal” of the 2016 referendum as not leaving at all. He added it could cause “irreparable damage” to the union of the UK, and hit out at “those who are pulling the strings in Downing Street, those who are setting the strategy”.

Mr Hammond also warned trying to “bypass Parliament” to force through a no-deal Brexit would “provoke a constitutional crisis”.

Mr Johnson is maintaining he is intent on ensuring the UK leaves the EU on October 31.

Boris Johnson made the remarks during PMQs.