Boris Johnson has threatened to withdraw the whip from dozens of rebel Conservative MPs if they try to thwart a no-deal Brexit.
Tory whips have warned potential rebels they face the sack if they move against the Prime Minister and vote for legislation drafted by the opposition to stop the UK crashing out of the EU.
The tactic could pave the way for a general election as hostilities escalate in the run-up to the Brexit deadline of October 31.
Conservative Party whips convened for a lunch with Mr Johnson on Sunday at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country retreat.
They agreed that any Tory MP who voted on the rebel legislation would have the whip withdrawn and become ineligible to stand for the party.
A senior source in the whips' office said: “The whips are telling Conservative MPs today a very simple message – if they fail to vote with the government on Tuesday they will be destroying the government’s negotiating position and handing control of parliament to Jeremy Corbyn.
“Any Conservative MP who does this will have the whip withdrawn and will not stand as a Conservative candidate in an election.”
Mr Johnson has signalled his serious intention to follow through his threat of deselection by ripping up plans for a meeting with rebellious former ministers, including Philip Hammond and David Gauke.
Mr Hammond was offered a one-to-one meeting with the Prime Minister which he declined, saying it is "discourteous" to cancel on the group.
A source close to the MPs said: "There has been very little attempt at engagement with us, but these people were going in seeking proof of genuine attempts to get a Brexit deal.
“The fact it had been cancelled at short notice suggests there isn’t a proper negotiation going on. The next point of engagement will be in the voting lobbies.”
A cross-party group, in a bid to stop a no-deal Brexit, fought back on Sunday night as they told MPs to prepare to take the Government to court if it defied any law passed by rebel MPs in Parliament.
It came after political tensions were heightened after Cabinet member and close ally of the PM Michael Gove on Sunday repeatedly refused to say if the Government would abide by legislation blocking a no-deal Brexit if it is forced through.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told the BBC: "Let's see what the legislation says.
"You're asking me about a pig in a poke.
"And I will wait to see what legislation the opposition may try to bring forward."
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, who said he favoured legislation to prevent a no-deal scenario, branded Mr Gove's stance "breathtaking".
He said: "For ministers not to confirm that this Government will accept and comply with legislation lawfully passed is breathtaking.
"No Government is above the law."
Mr Corbyn is holding a special meeting of the shadow cabinet in Salford on Monday to finalise tactics for opposing a no-deal Brexit.
The Labour leader will say: "We are working with other parties to do everything necessary to pull our country back from the brink."
Former prime minister Tony Blair is using a speech in London to urge Labour not to support any push by Downing Street for an early general election, but demand a Brexit referendum instead.
Mr Blair will say: "Should the Government seek an election, it should be refused in favour of a referendum.
"It is counter-intuitive for opposition parties to refuse an election.
"But in this exceptional case, it is vital they do so as a matter of principle, until Brexit is resolved."
