British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Photo: VNA)

With the clock ticking down to Britain's departure on October 31, Johnson has consistently said he will not ask for a Brexit delay, but also that he will not break a law that forces him to request one if no withdrawal agreement deal has been agreed.

He has not explained the apparent contradiction in his comments and opponents say they believe he will seek some kind of legal escape route or try to pressure the EU into refusing to agree to an extension request.

On Wednesday, Mr Johnson submitted new proposals to the EU that he hopes will lead to a withdrawal agreement, although the bloc has responded with deep skepticism, saying more concessions are needed if a no-deal Brexit is to be avoided.