Mr Johnson says he wants to get out of Europe on October 31, but that he does not want an election.

He accuses potential rebel MPs who want an extension to the Brexit date of trying to "cut the legs" off the government's negotiating strategy with Brussels.

Other quotes from the rest of his short speech:

"The chances of a deal have been rising."

"Brussels can see we want a deal.".

"They can see that we are utterly determined to strengthen our position by getting ready to come out regardless, come what may."

There is a "sense in Brussels" that MPs may "find some way to cancel the referendum."

But MPs should not, he argued, "vote with Jeremy Corbyn for yet another pointless delay."

"There are no circumstances [under] which I will ask Brussels to delay."

So Mr Johnson has pitched the row within his party as a group of Conservative MPs going over to work with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Meanwhile, speculation about Mr Johnson calling for an election later this week is unlikely to be quelled by this speech.

Mr Johnson not only unveiled pictures of his new puppy today, he also kicked off this speech by reminding the public of his plans to put extra resources into education and policing. Will he call a rapid election, if he has to, ahead of the October 31 deadline?