The former Conservative MP has warned people will want to reduce the voting age to 16 to hurt Boris Johnson’s chances of gaining a majority in a general election. Mr Clarke said Parliament would make his life hell over the one line bill. It comes as the Prime Minister threatened to withdraw with Brexit bill and hold a general election.

Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Clarke said: “They’re desperate to fight this election.

“People will want to reduce the voting age to 16 for a start.

“But I think a lot of people are thinking a lot of other ingenious things they could put in.

“With scope, there are a lot of things for approving the deal.”

Host Nick Robinson said: “So, in other words, if he thinks a simple solution is a one line bill to get a election, parliament’s going to make his life hell.”

Mr Clarke added: “Yes, he should get rid of all these people.

“Listening to your interview with SNP, I wouldn’t rely on the fact that they’re eager to help him have his instant election.

“We need a better-informed election and we will have one soon.

“But we need to get rid of all this rubbish about the detail of how we’re leaving the EU first.”

His comments come as Mr Johnson secured a majority in the House of Commons on his Withdrawal Agreement Bill on Tuesday, but just minutes later suffered a huge blow as MPs refused to back his accelerated timetabling plans to try to secure Brexit by October 31.

Following the result of the vote, the Prime Minister said he had no option but to put his Brexit legislation on hold, and that he would “speak with member states”.

On Tuesday evening, after the votes, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, said he “will recommend the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension”.

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But, the European Parliament’s Brexit coordinator, Guy Verhofstadt, may have already let slip how long an extension the UK will be offered from the EU.

During an unprovoked online attack at Nigel Farage, Mr Verhofstadt mocked the idea of being stuck with the Brexit Party leader on the continent for an extended length of time.

However, in his brutal attack, Mr Verhofstadt hinted there would be another “three weeks” of listening to Mr Farage.

He wrote on Twitter: “You’re all thinking: another extension. I am thinking: another three weeks listening to Farage”.

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