Afp, London
Britain and the European Union have struck a new Brexit accord but it is by no means a done deal, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson has to get it through parliament. The House of Commons has rejected a previous divorce text three times, forcing Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, to delay Brexit twice. If that happens again today, her successor will be forced by law to ask Brussels to postpone again beyond the October 31 deadline.



DEAL APPROVED?
Leaders from the EU’s 28 member states have signed off on the deal. The British parliament is holding its first Saturday sitting since the 1982 Falklands War for MPs to debate the text. If MPs approve the deal, it must be formally implemented through an EU Withdrawal Bill. Such complicated legislation would normally take months but officials insist they can rush it through to allow Britain to leave the EU as planned on October 31.



REJECTION AND DELAY?
There is a real risk MPs do not agree the deal today, meaning Johnson will be forced to ask the EU to delay Brexit, as he has no majority in the House of Commons.

COURT CHALLENGE?
There is speculation Johnson could try to get around the law but this would likely see an immediate challenge in the courts.



‘NO-DEAL’ BREXIT?
The default legal position is that Britain leaves the EU on October 31 unless it asks to delay, and the other 27 member states agree. Business and markets across Europe fear the shock of a sudden Brexit that even the government’s own assessment says would cause economic damage.



ANOTHER ELECTION?
Johnson has already tried twice to get an early general election, to allow him to win back a majority in parliament. But he needs the support of the main opposition Labour party to call one. Labour says it will back an election when the threat of a “no deal” Brexit is off the table. The opportunity could come when MPs vote on October 21 and 22 on Johnson’s legislative agenda.