OPPOSITION MPs have launched a bid to stop a no-deal Brexit.

A motion has been submitted to hold an emergency debate this afternoon in the House of Commons, in order to debate legislation that would force the Prime Minister to seek a Brexit extension for three months.

This comes after a poll of Gazette readers finished 52-48% against a no-deal Brexit.

The ballot had the same margin of the 2016 referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, both nationwide as well as in Basingstoke and Deane itself.

The European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 6) Bill, would mean that unless a deal is agreed with the EU and passed in the House of Commons before October 19, PM Boris Johnson would have to seek an extension to the Article 50 process.

If the EU insisted on a longer extension, Mr Johnson would have to accept it within two days, unless MPs voted against it.

However, it is not guaranteed that the government will abide by it, or if the EU would approve another delay.

After an unscheduled meeting of cabinet last night, rumours circulated that the PM was about to call a general election.

However, on the steps of 10 Downing Street, Mr Johnson said that he didn’t want a snap election.

Soon afterwards, Downing Street told journalists that the government expected to table a motion to request a general election on October 14 if MPs opposed to no deal Brexit took control of business in the House of Commons today.