SNP senior party sources have confirmed they are “open” to the prospect of backing Jeremy Corbyn to lead a government to block a no-deal Brexit.
The Press and Journal understands that the nationalists would be willing to support Labour in forming a “very short government” with the “sole purpose of getting an extension to Article 50 or an election”.
Labour insiders said it was “the simplest and most democratic way to stop a no-deal”.
However, even with SNP backing, it is still unclear whether Mr Corbyn could command enough support as the Lib Dems have said they would not countenance the Labour leader in Number 10 and the 21 former Tory MPs expelled by Boris Johnson are also deeply hostile.
An SNP spokesman said: “The SNP has led the way in ensuring Brexit can be stopped and in bringing parliament back into action after the Tories sought to shut down UK democracy, and we will continue to work with all opposition MPs to stop a no-deal Brexit and call a General Election to remove this dangerous and undemocratic Prime Minister as soon as possible.
“It is now possible – if the political will is there – that parties could come together to ensure that the letter to secure an extension is not left in the hands of Boris Johnson and his cronies, who are determined to find a way to get around the Benn Act, but is instead sent by a temporary caretaker prime minister, who would be in office only as long as is necessary to send the letter, with an election held immediately afterwards.
“We remain open to all options to achieve the aim of stopping a no-deal Brexit and getting rid of Boris Johnson.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appeared to advertise the plan on social media yesterday in calling for the “opposition to unite” and oust Mr Johnson.
She said: “Leaving Johnson in post to force through no-deal – or even a bad deal – seems like a terrible idea to me.”
The Tories have condemned the move and have said Mr Corbyn will open the door for a second independence referendum.
Angus MP Kirstene Hair said: “This report confirms what many have long suspected – SNP MPs will happily prop up Jeremy Corbyn in Number 10.
“There is no doubt that Corbyn’s weak stance on indyref2 is a deciding factor for the nationalists.
“He has already left the door open for a re-run of the 2014 referendum if he becomes prime minister.”
The P&J understands the added haste for the move comes as MPs believe Mr Johnson is planning to use a parliamentary procedure to bypass a law forcing him to delay Brexit.
Mr Johnson is understood to be considering using an “order of council” to delay the implementation of the Benn Act if he has not secured a new Brexit deal by October 19.
