A TRADE union launched a crowdfunding appeal today after being hit with thousands of pounds in legal fees for an aborted court challenge against Boris Johnson over the October 31 Brexit deadline.

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) brought legal action with the aim of forcing Mr Johnson to seek an extension to the deadline for Britain’s departure from the EU.

The union, which largely represents “gig economy” workers, and three of its members filed a High Court claim in early October, asking for an injunction to prevent Mr Johnson from undermining legislation aimed at avoiding a no-deal Brexit.