LONDON 2 Sep (ANA) - The government is trying to "purge" Tory rebels who oppose it over Brexit, ex-Justice Secretary David Gauke says.

A senior source from the whips office - which ensures MPs vote on party lines - said those who voted to block no deal would be expelled and deselected.

The threat came as opposition MPs prepared to introduce legislation in an effort to avoid no deal.

Mr Gauke said the PM was seeking to "re-align" and "transform" the Tories "in the direction of The Brexit Party". 

He is one of a number of former cabinet ministers and backbench Tories who have been vocal in their opposition to no deal. Former chancellor Philip Hammond and former International Development Secretary Rory Stewart are also among the group. 

The prime minister has said the UK must leave the EU on 31 October, with or without a deal, prompting a number of MPs to unite to try to prevent the UK leaving without an agreement. 

MPs will this week seek to bring forward legislation against no deal in Parliament, with specific details expected to be outlined on Tuesday. 

But in a warning to Tory MPs thinking of supporting such efforts, a senior whips office source said anyone who failed to vote with the government would lose the party whip - meaning they would effectively be expelled from the party - and would not be able to stand as a Conservative candidate in an election. 

The source said if Tory MPs fail to vote with the government on Tuesday they will be "destroying" its negotiating position and "handing control of Parliament to Jeremy Corbyn".

There was a chance of reaching a revised Brexit deal on 17 October - the date of the next EU summit - they added, but "only because Brussels realises the prime minister is totally committed to leaving on 31 October". 

The Conservatives have a majority of just one, which includes a pact with the Northern Irish DUP, so if any Tory MP is kicked out - has the whip withdrawn - the party will go into a minority government. 

Mr Johnson had been due to meet Tory MPs pushing to rule out no deal on Monday, but a source close to the group said the prime minister called off the meeting with no explanation. 

Mr Gauke told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I don't think there seems to be a huge effort to persuade people to support the government this week.

"They seem quite prepared for a rebellion and then to purge those who support the rebellion from the party."

He said the government was "almost goading people into voting against" it to pave the way for a general election.

Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act, the prime minister could call a general election if two thirds of all MPs vote for one.

One could also be held if a motion of no confidence was passed and no alternative government was confirmed within 14 days.(ANA) 

FA/ANA/2 September 2019-----