Boris Johnson plotting scheme to render EU ‘no longer legal’ in desperate bid to escape Brexit trap

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A source said: “We will turn the pressure onto the EU to show how difficult it will be for them if the UK is still hanging around.” The aim is to force an acceptable Brexit deal, but the source added: “If they won’t negotiate a deal, it would be ideal if they would kick us out.” The threat to bring the EU to a standstill is a hugely controversial attempt to break free of the ambush which saw MPs move to block a no-deal – while also denying Mr Johnson the general election he craves. The prospect of him ignoring the law instructing a Brexit delay triggered furious criticism yesterday, after Mr Johnson said he would only apply “in theory”. Michael Heseltine, the Tory grandee and supporter of the People’s Vote campaign, told The Independent: “It is absolutely extraordinary that a Conservative prime minister needs to be reminded by a colleague that the British government should follow the rule of law and not act in a way which emboldens dictators and strong-arm populist leaders to undermine democracy.” Jeremy Corbyn said: “It’s a chilling message for people in our country and a dangerous example to would-be autocrats and hard-right leaders across the world.” And Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: “Boris Johnson’s actions show a fundamental disregard for democracy. The move is being revealed after a day which saw: * A former director of public prosecutions warn Mr Johnson is heading for prison if he breaks the law and defies parliament by still pursuing a no-deal Brexit * Groups of pro and anti-Brexit protesters clash violently on Parliament Square, forcing the police to intervene * The head of the Conservatives for a People’s Vote group cut up his Tory membership card, declaring the party under Mr Johnson is “no longer for me” * Philip Hammond, the former chancellor, expelled from the party for his Brexit revolt last week, reveal he is taking legal advice over his ejection * No 10 begin negotiations with TV bosses for live TV election debates, believing Mr Corbyn will “run scared” The no-deal blocking bill – to become law on Monday – will give the prime minister only until 19 October to pass a deal before he must seek an extension to at least 31 January.