Boris Johnson has said he does not want a snap general election as he urged MPs not to back a Brexit delay.
Speaking in Downing Street, Mr Johnson said he does not want an election, but reaffirmed his hope to see the UK leave with a deal.
He said: “We will not accept any attempt to go back on our promises or scrub that referendum.
“Armed and fortified with that conviction, I believe we will get a deal at that crucial summit in October. A deal that Parliament will certainly be able to scrutinise.”
He said negotiators should be able to get on with their work without the “sword of Damocles” of an election hanging over them.
Mr Johnson said: “I don’t want an election, you don’t want an election. Let’s get on with the people’s agenda.
"Fighting crime, improving the NHS, boosting schools, cutting the cost of living, unlocking talent and opportunity across the entire United Kingdom.”
Mr Johnson warned that MPs would “chop the legs out” from the UK position if they backed a Brexit extension and stressed there were “no circumstances” in which he would personally seek a delay.
He said: “I say, to show our friends in Brussels that we are united in our purpose, MPs should vote with the Government against Corbyn’s pointless delay. I want everybody to know there are no circumstances in which I will ask Brussels to delay. We are leaving on October 31, no ifs or buts.”
The Prime Minister also said he believes talks with Brussels have moved forward in recent weeks because the Government “wants a deal, has a clear vision for the future relationship” and is clear that the UK will leave the EU on October 31 “come what may”.
Mr Johnson’s speech took place against a backdrop of protesters gathered at the gates to Downing Street chanting “Stop no deal”.
Police flanked the pavements along Whitehall as protesters waved banners reading “Bring down Boris” and “Remain, reform, revolt”.
His statement comes as MPs prepare for a crunch Commons showdown, with speculation those opposed to a no-deal Brexit would bid to wrangle control of the House from the Government.
Ahead of the cabinet meeting, a Government spokesman said the PM and his ministers would discuss the Government's "response to MPs seeking to take control of legislative agenda away from Government and handing it to the opposition and Corbyn without the consent of the people".
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