Tony Blair warns UK Labour: Don't fall into election 'elephant trap'

LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is laying an election "elephant trap" for the opposition Labour Party that it should avoid, former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair warned on Monday.

"Boris Johnson knows that if no-deal Brexit stands on its own as a proposition it might well fail but if he mixes it up with the Corbyn question in a general election he could succeed despite a majority being against a no-deal Brexit because some may fear a Corbyn premiership more," Blair said.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn "should see an election before Brexit is decided for the elephant trap it is," he said.

Johnson has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31 whether he agrees a new deal with the European Union or not.

Opposition lawmakers - and a contingent from Johnson's Conservatives from

Tuesday - will try to legislate this week to stop the possibility of no-deal.

Johnson has threatened to expel rebel Conservative lawmakers if they thwart his Brexit plans by voting with the opposition, a move that would eradicate his already slim majority and make his ability to govern very difficult.

He could then seek an election to break the deadlock.

House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg has said rebel legislation would be considered a matter of confidence in the government.