Thread by @jonworth

The *only* block on holding a General Election in the UK now is the #Article50 Extension issue.

The Benn Act mandated the PM to go to the European Council 17 Oct and ask for an extension if no Deal can be agreed, and if no vote for a No Deal has been passed.

But no one really trusts Johnson to go and make that extension demand.

So what do you do?

These are the options

1️⃣ Table a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) in Johnson's government *now*, and find a majority for a caretaker administration. That caretaker administration has 3 tasks:
- to secure the Art 50 extension
- to nominate a European Commissioner
- to organise a General Election

2️⃣ Wait and see what Johnson does, and keep reminding him of the Benn Act. This also gives him the theoretical opportunity of still getting a Brexit Deal. If Johnson doesn't comply with the Act at the European Council, VONC him then, and then revert to option 1

3️⃣ Use the fact that the Commons is sitting again to pass an Election Act, setting an election day late November, and dissolution of Parliament after 17 Oct, and further mandating the PM to extend Art 50 (@SimonFRCox's idea - adapted)

I'd prefer route 1️⃣, and that's also what @NicolaSturgeon seems to be pushing for. Corbyn seems to want 2️⃣ based on his Today interview this morning.

/ends