Several things. If Johnson gets an election, it's then in his gift to call it for after October 31. That will mean no-deal. Next, Labour is, in my view, is likely to lose an election, either before or after that date. I hear Tony Blair and I share his fears (I don't share much else with him).

The right thing to happen would be an extension to Article 50 until at least several months after an election, giving the new administration time to carry out its stated manifesto policy on brexit, which could mean trying to strike a deal (away from the current frenetic chaos), or to organise another referendum. That would best serve the interests of the country. This administration hasn't got the slightest interest in that, unfortunately, but they have all the best populist tunes.