The Labour factions and what they want

♦corbynistas Want a general election as soon as possible. They are confident that the Labour leader can win power and therefore the threat of no deal is minimal.

This inner circle is also eager to back an election request, amid concern that refusing will be seen as a sign of weakness by the public.

MPS include: Richard Burgon, Dan Carden, Ian Lavery.

♦remainers They are far less optimistic about their chances in a pre-brexit election and fear that it would risk seeing Boris Johnson returned with a majority – and a mandate for no deal.

Many are critics of the Labour leader, and they see no reason to hold a poll, believing that the best way to stop Brexit is to keep the Remain-heavy Parliament in place as it inches towards a second referendum.

MPS include: Peter Kyle, Stephen Doughty, Wes Streeting. ♦shadow

cabinet While divided roughly into two camps, the Remainers are becoming increasingly vocal in their opposition to Brexit and enjoy the support of many backbench moderates.

In recent days, influential members have warned against backing an election, and want to hold back until a no-deal on Oct 31 is unequivocally ruled out.

MPS include: John Mcdonnell, Emily Thornberry, Sir Keir Starmer. ♦brexiteers The 20-strong group of MPS who represent Leave-voting constituencies may be a minority but still wield influence in Parliament. Several have hinted they will back Mr Johnson’s request for an election.

MPS include: John Mann, Caroline Flint, Gloria de Piero.