Benn Act: what does it say - and will Johnson have to comply?

Speculation is mounting that the Government may try to circumvent the Brexit legislation

An anti-Brexit demonstrator in front of Parliament
(Image credit: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images)

With hopes fading of a Brexit deal by 31 October, the spotlight is returning to the Benn Act.

Under the new legislation, the prime minister would be forced to ask for an extension to negotiations if a withdrawal agreement is not agreed with the EU by the Halloween deadline.

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