UK’s Boris Johnson takes aim against opponents of Brexit plans

LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister Boris Johnson is getting tough with members of his Conservative Party who oppose his Brexit plans at the start of what promises to be a momentous week in British politics.

The so-called rebels were being warned Monday that they will be expelled from the party if they support parliamentary efforts to block a departure from the European Union without a deal.

Johnson has called a meeting of his Cabinet on Monday to develop a response to the opposition-led manoeuvre amid speculation that he will call an election soon if he loses the vote in the House of Commons.

“It would be entirely unreasonable for MPs — having rejected the previous deal three times — to attempt to bind the hands of the prime minister as he seeks to negotiate a deal they can support ahead of EU Council in October,” Johnson spokesman James Slack said.

Opposition parties are pledging to challenge Johnson’s policy that the U.K. will leave the EU on October 31 even if there is no deal.

Without such a deal, Britain faces a chaotic departure that economists warn would disrupt trade by imposing tariffs and customs checks between Britain and the 27 other members of the bloc — potentially triggering a drop in the pound and plunging the U.K. into recession.

Johnson insists the potential for a no-deal Brexit must remain an option in negotiations with the EU.

The bloc is adamant it will not renegotiate the agreement struck with former Prime Minister Theresa May on the terms of Britain’s departure and the framework of future relations.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.