Brexit: Boris Johnson told he would 'open door to mob rule' if he breaks no-deal law

PM says he would rather be 'dead in a ditch' than delay Brexit, despite rebel bill

Senior lawyers have warned Boris Johnson he would "open the door wide to mob rule" if he defies rebel legislation to stop a no-deal Brexit.

The Criminal Bar Association argued the public would be given free rein to commit crimes if the prime minister breaks a new law compelling him to seek a delay from Brussels.

In a stark warning, the group's chair Caroline Goodwin, said: "We cannot expect people not to rob, rape and murder when a government declares it may break the law. We cannot lay rape to the rule of law."

It comes after Mr Johnson declared he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than ask for an extension from the EU, despite an opposition bill to delay Brexit to January 2020 to prevent no deal next month.

Speculation is mounting that Mr Johnson could force a legal battle rather than ask the EU to delay, with No10 sources even suggesting the prime minister could try to “sabotage” the law.

Ms Goodwin said: "In or out the EU, a government that stands up for the rule of law acts in the best interests of the people - parliament included.

"Any government - the executive - which ignores the rule of law and actively seeks to break the law undermines the entire justice system, opens the door wide open to mob rule and very quickly to anarchy.

"How can a government on the one hand pledge to unleash a 'reign of terror' on criminals when its own leadership threatens to break the law?"

The warning comes as a former Supreme Court justice said it would not be legal for Mr Johnson to apply for an Article 50 extension while simultaneously trying to get the EU to reject it.

Lord Sumption was asked about reports in The Telegraph that the prime minister could ask for a delay while rubbishing the request at the same time.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "No, of course it wouldn't. The bill, or act as it's about to become, says that he's got to apply for an extension.

"Not only has he got to send the letter, he's got to apply for an extension.

"To send the letter and then try to neutralise it seems to me, plainly, a breach of the act.

"What you've got to realise is the courts are not very fond of loopholes."

Mr Johnson was expected to suspend parliament for five weeks on Monday night after seeking permission from the Queen.

The historical prorogation ceremony will take place once Commons business is concluded, when MPs will be summoned to the House of Lords to hear a message from the Queen halting business in both houses until 14 October.