Gove raises prospect of ignoring legislation at blocking no-deal Brexit

Tory minister Michael Gove has refused to say whether the government would abide by legislation designed to stop the UK leaving the EU without a deal, BBC reports.

Sky News reports that “Boris Johnson’s government has been branded an “elective dictatorship” after one of his top ministers raised the prospect of ignoring legislation passed by MPs aimed at blocking a no-deal Brexit. MPs opposed to a no-deal departure are expected to begin efforts on Tuesday – when parliament returns from its summer break – aimed at forcing the prime minister to seek a further delay to Brexit in order to avoid the UK quitting the EU with no divorce agreement.”

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC MPs would introduce a bill seeking to do that when Parliament returns this week. But asked if the government would abide by this if it succeeded, Mr Gove said: “Let’s see what the legislation says.” Sir Keir described Mr Gove’s comments as “breathtaking”. Cabinet minister Mr Gove also said “some” food prices “may go up” and “other prices will come down” in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Sky News / BBC