Boris Johnson promised voters that he would not ask for an extension to Article 50

Boris Johnson has insisted that he will not ask for an extension to Article 50, but will abide by the rule of law if he is ordered to do so.

This has led to a flurry of speculation about what cunning plan Mr Johnson may have up his sleeve to stay within the rule of law.

However, as soon as a theory emerges experts explain why it could never work. Here are the options we know about.



• Write one letter asking for an extension, and another saying he didn’t mean it

Under this plan, said to be under serious consideration in Downing Street, the prime minister would send an accompanying letter alongside the request to extend Article 50 saying the government does not want