The four divisions of the Remain alliance

Boris Johnson’s Brexit plans are encountering resistance from several factions within Parliament, with the opposition groups each targeting a different route to ensuring Britain does not leave the EU with no deal on Oct 31, or indeed fails to leave at all.

Cross-party-led national government

Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson mooted the idea of a national government led by either Ken Clarke or Harriet Harman, the longest-serving male and female MPS in the House of Commons. Mr Clarke said that the idea of him becoming PM was “not inconceivable” while Ms Harman did not explicitly back Ms Swinson’s suggestion.

Labour-led national government

Jeremy Corbyn has proposed the idea of him taking over as caretaker prime minister, which would see the Labour leader negotiate an extension to the Brexit deadline of Oct 31 and then call an election. The idea, backed by John Mcdonnell, has failed to gather cross-party support. Mr Corbyn took umbrage at suggestions that anyone but him should be PM, saying: “Labour is the largest opposition party by far, that is the process that must be followed.”

No-deal legislative Brexit blockers

John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, is the leader of this group, which includes Oliver Letwin, who are determined to ensure Parliament gets a vote on a no-deal exit. Mr Bercow has laid down the gauntlet to Mr Johnson over any plans to suspend Parliament while the

UK leaves, saying he would fight it

“with every bone in my body”.

No-deal Tory Brexit blockers

The so-called “Gaukeward Squad” of Tory MPS – led by former chancellor Philip Hammond and ex-justice secretary David Gauke – will do anything short of bringing down the Government to stop a no-deal. Twenty-one Tory MPS signed a letter to Boris Johnson shortly after he became Prime Minister urging him to avoid a no-deal exit from the EU. That number has now increased to as many as 40 Tory MPS.