The prime minister could be compelled to request an Article 50 extension from European leaders

MPs are drawing up plans to compel Boris Johnson to break his “do or die” pledge and force him to request an 11th-hour Brexit extension from the European Union.

A leaked strategy document reveals that Mr Johnson’s opponents believe they can thwart his plans to push through a no-deal Brexit and compel him to hold an election with Britain still in the European Union. They also intend to launch a campaign accusing the prime minister of driving through an illegitimate “scorched earth (no-deal) policy on the British people” that has no democratic mandate.

Under the proposals set out in the document, which has been circulated to Labour and Tory rebels, MPs plan to:

• Block any attempt by Mr Johnson to call an election