ROBERT Buckland suggested a general election could be held before Christmas in a bid to break the Brexit deadlock.

Appearing on the BBC Andrew Neil Show on Wednesday night, the South Swindon MP said an election was the only way to crack delays.

"Frankly, we need one sooner rather than later," he said.

"I think having one this year, however inhospitable the weather might be, is the way to break the deadlock.

"That's what the prime minister has indicated.

"It's not I think where any of us particularly want to be but Parliament has failed to really pave the way for Brexit and we need a new one."

He added: "I don't think this parliament seems to want to get a deal through and therefore we need a new one."

EU leaders are currently considering whether to grant a further extension to Brexit against the objections of Boris Johnson.

The Prime Minister has warned he will push for a snap general election if he is forced to accept a lengthy delay to Britain's departure, potentially into the new year.

His cabinet is said to be split over the wisdom of a pre-Christmas election.