year. he said he would rather die in a ditch than ask for an extension. so that seems like it would be off the table. but the reality is he has few other options. he could resign, but that's something he said he's not willing to do. he could go for the nuclear option, to call a no confidence motion on his own government. but that also does not guarantee him an election. ultimately, he could do what he has hinted he might do, which is to break the law, to refuse to abide by the legislation. but if he does that, we could see the prime minister of this country wind up in court, george. . >> wow. sal salma, tell us more about this possibility of a general election. where does that stand now? how likely is it? >> reporter: well, prime minister boris johnson needed this general election. it was necessary to his strategy. and that is because just like his predecessor, he is in gridlock in parliament. the numbers are simply not