The timeline of Brexit in recent weeks has involved an attempt to call an early general election by the government, which failed to meet the required two thirds majority of the entire house as set out in the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, and has resulted in rumours that the government may call a vote of no confidence in itself (which has a lower threshold than the first attempt as it is set at a simple majority).
There have also been rumours that the government may attempt to call an election by way of passing a bill, which bypasses the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, but can result in the bill being amended by the opposition.
Given that the opposition has taken the stance that it will oppose any calls for an early election, and given that the current government has lost its voting majority in the last week, it is unlikely that the government will succeed in causing an early election to be held.
However, what laws or rules are in place and enforceable to ensure that the government cannot simply sit back, sulk and refuse to carry out any business (other than perhaps opposing bills in Parliament that are designed to force the government to act)?