Under plans being drawn up by the Liberal Democrats and other opposition leaders, Boris Johnson could be forced to seek an extension to Article 50 before the European summit on October 17-18. After MPs passed a bill to stop a no deal Brexit, Mr Johnson is now legally obliged to seek an extension to Article 50 if a deal is not reached by the EU summit.

Announced by Ms Swinson on Wednesday morning, the Liberal Democrats will now look to pass another bill that would force Mr Johnson to seek an extension before travelling to Brussels.

Using a similar manoeuvre to that of the no deal bill presented by Hilary Benn, Ms Swinson could push for the law to be rushed through Parliament as soon as next week.

Speaking before Parliament resumed on Wednesday morning, Ms Swinson announced her intentions while also attacking Mr Johnson.

Ms Swinson: “We simply cannot afford to wait until the 19th of October to see whether or not the Prime Minister will refuse to obey the law again.

“Liberal Democrats will be working with and talking with people across the different parties to find a way to remove that threat of a no deal Brexit more quickly.

“It is vital that we do this for our country’s future.”

Despite Mr Benn’s bill being in place, Mr Johnson has repeatedly insisted that he will not ask for an extension from the EU.

More to follow…

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