What is the state of play with MPs plotting to block a no-deal Brexit?

Politicians who want to stop Britain leaving the EU without a deal seem increasingly likely to focus their efforts on passing a law to force Boris Johnson’s hand, rather than trying to bring him down, says John Rentoul

Caroline Lucas says she is prepared to support Corbyn as caretaker PM (AFP)

A law to prevent a no-deal Brexit seems more likely than it did, and a vote of no confidence to bring down Boris Johnson seems less likely, but the mood among MPs will be volatile when parliament reconvenes on 3 September.

Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has invited the leaders of other opposition parties, and several prominent Conservative opponents of a no-deal Brexit, to a meeting tomorrow.

His invitation had a mixed response. Dame Caroline Spelman, the Tory former cabinet minister who led opposition to no deal under Theresa May, said she wasn’t interested and that she supported Boris Johnson’s approach.