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The government is poised to suffer another defeat in the Commons over its no-deal Brexit plan - but Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to respond with a move to trigger a general election.
In yet another day of high drama at Westminster, MPs resumed hostilities with Labour pushing ahead with its bill that would force the government to drop a no-deal Brexit.
Kent MP backs hard Brexit deadline
In another embarrassing defeat in the Commons, MPs voted for a proposal that could mean the UK asking the EU for a further delay of three months if there is no deal before mid-October.
Earlier, the Prime Minister fielded questions from MPs and sidestepped a question from Jeremy Corbyn about contingency measures to ensure there would not be any shortages of medicines and food.
Speaking ahead of tonight's debate, the Ashford MP Damian Green spoke out against those trying to prevent a no-deal Brexit.
"On balance I think we have got to stick with October 31,"he said.
"One of the things that has led to a collapse in confidence in democratic politics generally is the thought that this particular can is continually being kicked down the road.
"Now is the point where we do have to reach a conclusion so I hope that we can reach a deal with the EU because that would be much better for Kent."
In other developments, there was growing speculation that the Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark could be blocked from standing in his constituency after he joined a rebellion of 21 Conservatives who sided with the opposition parties in their bid to force the government to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
He could face the prospect of not being permitted to put his name forward as an election candidate amid reports that a petition has enough signatures from party members to block him standing.
And the veteran North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale dropped a heavy hint he might not stand as a Conservative in a general election if the government had not resolved Brexit to his satisfaction.
The debate on the Prime Minister's proposal to trigger a general election is scheduled to get underway at about 9pm with a vote expected about 10.30pm.
