British Prime Minister Boris Johnson summoned ministers to a meeting on Monday, stoking speculation he could call an election if parliament defeats the government over a Brexit plan opponents fear could push the United Kingdom into a ruinous no-deal exit.

Johnson's promise to take the country out of the European Union on October 31 with or without a divorce deal has propelled the United Kingdom toward a constitutional crisis and a battle with the 27 other members of the bloc.

An alliance of opposition lawmakers are plotting with rebels in Johnson's Conservative Party to take control of parliament and tie the government's hands with legislation that would block a no-deal exit, fearing leaving without a deal will be ruinous to the economy.

Just 24 hours until parliament returns on Tuesday from its summer break, Johnson's enforcers warned rebels that if they voted against the government they would be kicked out of his Conservative Party.

With little clarity on whether the deadlocked British parliament might be able to come up with a resolution to the three-year Brexit crisis, talk turned to a possible election.

Johnson has called a cabinet meeting for later on Monday. BBC's political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, said Johnson could ask lawmakers to vote on calling an election if they vote against his government on Brexit.

Kuenssberg said "live discussions" are going on in No. 10 about asking parliament to approve a snap election, and it could happen as soon as Wednesday but no final decision has been taken yet.

Asked if the prime minister was planning an election, Johnson's spokesperson said: "He has been asked this on many, many occasions and his answer has always been that he doesn't want there to be an election."

Speaking at an event in northern England, Corbyn said he wanted an election and that his party would stop a no-deal Brexit.

"We must come together to stop no-deal – this week could be our last chance," Corbyn said in a speech in Salford, northern England. "Then we need a general election."

An election would open up three main options: a Brexit-supporting government under Johnson, a Labour government led by Corbyn or a hung parliament that could lead to a coalition or minority government of some kind.

After Johnson moved to suspend parliament ahead of Brexit, opponents of a no-deal exit are seeking to overturn his decision in the courts. Hearings are due on September 3, 5 and 6.

(With input from Reuters) 

(Cover: Britain's new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, arrives to deliver a speech outside 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, July 24, 2019. /Reuters Photo)