The shadow cabinet is holding a special meeting at midday to decide on how their MPs should be whipped on the election vote tonight.
Former Labour MP Chuka Umunna, who is now a Lib Dem, told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday show that his party had offered a general election because it was “highly unlikely” a majority of MPs will support a second EU referendum in the current make-up of the Commons.
Tom Brake, the party’s Brexit spokesperson, told Kay Burley @ Breakfast on Monday the government’s reaction proved they had “woken up to the fact that this may be the only option the prime minister has to secure a general election”.
EU ambassadors are meeting in Brussels this morning to consider a text on the UK’s request for a Brexit extension.
According to a draft document seen by Reuters, a delay was to be granted “with the view to allowing for the finalisation of the ratification” of the divorce agreement sealed with Mr Johnson last week.
The draft text left the Brexit date blank, but said the split could take place earlier if ratification was completed – an idea dubbed a flexible extension or “flextension”.
However, the EU appeared to be waiting for clarification from Westminster.
France’s EU minister Amelie de Montchalin told French TV on Sunday: “We cannot give extra time based on political fiction.
“We need to have certainty in order to decide [on an extension], certainty about ratification, about elections or about a second referendum.”