UK PM Johnson threatens election ahead of Brexit battle

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday (September 2) ruled out ever asking the European Union to delay Brexit - making an implicit warning that he would be forced to call a general election if his hands were tied by parliament.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, BORIS JOHNSON, SAYING:

"I want everybody to know there are no circumstances in which I will ask Brussels to delay. We are leaving on the 31st of October, no ifs or buts.

An alliance of opposition lawmakers and rebels from within Johnson's own Conservatives are seeking to take control of parliament in order to pass legislation that would force Johnson to seek a three-month delay to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

Speaking over the sound of protesters shouting "stop the coup", Johnson said such a delay would "chop the legs out" from under the UK position.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, BORIS JOHNSON, SAYING:

"Let's let our negotiators get on with their work without that sword of Damocles over their necks."

A senior government source said on Monday that Johnson will move to call an election on October 14 if he's defeated in parliament.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LABOUR PARTY LEADER, JEREMY CORBYN, SAYING:

"We need a general election."

Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn certainly wants one.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LABOUR PARTY LEADER, JEREMY CORBYN, SAYING:

"An election is the democratic way forward, to give the people the choice between the two very different directions of our country."

But there are suggestions that the veteran socialist could be playing into Johnson's hands.

Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair says Johnson may be trying to use the divisive prospect of a Corbyn leadership to his advantage.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, TONY BLAIR, SAYING:

"Boris Johnson knows that if no-deal Brexit stands on its own as a proposition it might well fail, but if he mixes it up with the Brexit question and the Corbyn question together in a general election he could succeed, despite a majority being against a no-deal Brexit because some may fear a Corbyn premiership more."

Rebels and opponents of the government say Johnson is betting on an election that he will cast as being forced on him by opponents of Brexit in parliament.