Boris Johnson ‘could be jailed’ for refusing to seek Brexit delay
- Legal experts say British PM could be found in contempt of court if he does not abide by new bill designed to block no-deal departure from EU on October 31
- Johnson has said he would rather ‘be dead in a ditch’ than ask Brussels for Brexit extension
Jeremy Corbyn has warned Boris Johnson he is not above the law after the prime minister suggested he would refuse to seek another Brexit extension despite MPs passing a bill to prevent a no deal.
Speaking on a visit to Norwich on Saturday, the Labour leader said: “We’re in quite extraordinary territory when the prime minister says he is above the law.
“They are preparing for chaos. The best thing they could do is actually make sure he abides by the decision of parliament, which has passed a new act, in order to prevent a crashing out on 31 October, and extend for three months in order for there to be sensible negotiations with the EU. Any sensible prime minister would do that.”
Legal experts have warned Johnson could face prison if he refused to abide by the bill, which was passed on Friday and is set to become law on Monday.
Lord MacDonald, the former director of public prosecutions, said if Johnson refused to request an extension he could be found in contempt of court.