UK PM candidate Harper: Not possible to leave EU on October 31

Mark Harper, one of the candidates to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May, recently told reporters that there shouldn't be a general election before Brexit and added that it was not possible for them to leave the EU by the set deadline of October 31.

Key quotes (via Reuters)

• If we don't deliver Brexit, we'll never get anything else done.
• Next PM has to find agreed position within Conservative Party to take to Brussels, it's a very narrow landing zone.
• Any majoirty in parliament for Brexit will be a small one.
• To get a deal we have to show EU a bit of stick and a bit of carrot.
• EU must know by now withdrawal agreement not going to get through parliament.
• If EU won't negotiate, they are pushing us into no deal.
• No deal threat is credible, but only if all options for a deal exhausted.
• Believes there is a majority to leave without a deal if no other alternative.
• Asked about Irish backstop, says is not reasonable for EU to say we must sign a treaty with no end.
• Labour lawmakers will only back Brexit deal if they believe conservatives can get a deal done.
• We may get the support of 5 to 10 Labour lawmakers, no more.