Boris Johnson has threatened to sack Tory MPs who fail to support his government in the battle over planned legislation designed to block a no-deal Brexit.

Rebel MPs have been told they could have the whip removed and would be banned from standing as Conservative candidates in the next election if they support a backbench effort to thwart a disorderly withdrawal from the EU.

The move could destroy Mr Johnson’s tiny majority because at least a dozen Tory MPs are understood to be considering backing the action, as tensions boil over ahead of a momentous week in Westminster.

The prime minister made the decision after holding crunch talks with Tory whips at his Chequers retreat on Sunday, The Independent understands.

A source from the whips’ office said: “The whips are telling Conservative MPs today a very simple message – if they fail to vote with the government on Tuesday they will be destroying the government’s negotiating position and handing control of parliament to Jeremy Corbyn.

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“Any Conservative MP who does this will have the whip withdrawn and will not stand as Conservative candidates in an election.”.

A rebel alliance, including several former Tory cabinet ministers, is expected to try to seize control of the order paper on Tuesday, to force through a backbench bill to delay Brexit before parliament is suspended the following week.

But Tory MPs are being warned to vote with the government or destroy Mr Johnson’s efforts to secure a deal with Brussels

Ahead of a major Commons showdown, Mr Johnson also abruptly cancelled talks with senior Tories who oppose no deal, including former cabinet ministers Philip Hammond and David Gauke.

A source close to the rebels said: “Aside from being deeply discourteous, today’s behaviour shows this is not a government interested in compromise.

“These MPs want proof that there is a genuine and sincere attempt to get a deal.

“The fact that the PM isn’t even prepared to meet them suggests there isn’t.”