European Union diplomats hint no-deal Brexit as Johnson's central scenario

Many critics of May's deal raised concerns over the backstop, which would also involve a temporary single customs territory that would remain unless both parties agreed it was no longer required - a measure that would to all intense and purposes keep the entirety of the United Kingdom in the EU customs union.

- What are the chances of Mr Johnson getting a new deal with Brussels before the end of October? The EU has so far refused to reopen the divorce text, causing both sides to step up preparations for a disorderly split.

Fears of a no-deal have increased since Mr Johnson took office just under two weeks ago, after his demands that the European Union renegotiate the agreement struck with Theresa May were rejected by Brussels.

"The prime minister seems to be trying to slip no-deal through, slip past Parliament and slip past the British people", Corbyn told reporters in Derbyshire, northern England.

'You either fundamentally believe in what Britain voted for or you don't. If it fails to do so, there has to be a general election.

But rebel MPs may also be able to use this time to form an alternative "national unity" government - with rumours swirling that Yvette Cooper, Jo Swinson, Caroline Lucas or Hilary Benn could take the helm in order to try and delay Brexit.

The Independent also features Mr Johnson in its lead story, saying MPs have accused him of acting like a dictator.

Mr Grieve argues that the prime minister would have no choice but to go if MPs support a new government.

At least one backbencher, the Tory former attorney general Dominic Grieve, has said it is the "only way" to ensure no-deal is stopped and vowed: "I will not hesitate to do that".

Speaking to ITV's Good Morning Britain, Mr Hancock said: "I guarantee that we now have all plans in place to make sure that the NHS will be prepared whatever the Brexit scenario".

"In terms of a strict reading of the legislation, Boris is not required to resign".

A CRUCIAL move from Boris Johnson could result in the Queen being forced to make a divisive decision on Brexit, according to politics expert Charlie Cooper.

However Mr Hancock insisted: "I haven't talked to Dominic or to the Prime Minister or anybody else in Westminster about this".

An EU source meanwhile told The Telegraph the "working hypothesis" in Brussels was "now no-deal".

The warnings came as the prime minister's most senior adviser, Dominic Cummings, accused two former cabinet ministers of undermining Whitehall's preparations for a no-deal outcome.

A plan had been negotiated between the European Union and former Prime Minister Theresa May, but it was voted down by MPs three times.

But there are some political bigwigs across the House of Commons who could emerge as a stand-in prime minister if Johnson loses the No Confidence vote.

Many EU referendum voters who supported leave appeared to do so as a protest against "elites".