Former Conservative leader William Hague has warned Britain faces the “most serious constitutional crisis” for at least a century if a Chequers-based Brexit deal is blocked.

Image: Willaim Hague

Following warnings from Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, that up to 80 Tory MPs are prepared to vote down Theresa May’s proposals, if brought to the table, Lord Hague considered the worst-case scenario in a newspaper column.

“It would be no exaggeration to say this would be the most serious constitutional crisis in Britain for at least one century, possibly two,” he wrote.

“It is worth thinking about (the various scenarios) because everyone in Parliament who is enjoying making categorical statements about being against Chequers or against ‘no deal’ is now loading the revolver for a game of Russian roulette, with a lot more than Brexit at stake.”

Today, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, delivered a speech in Manchester at the Trade Union Congress’ annual conference.