Snap election on horizon after UK lawmakers vote to block 'no-deal' Brexit

[webfact]

Snap election on horizon after UK lawmakers vote to block 'no-deal' Brexit

By Elizabeth Piper, William James and Kylie MacLellan

 

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions session in the House of Commons in London, Britain September 4, 2019. ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/Handout via REUTERS

 

LONDON (Reuters) - The British parliament voted on Wednesday to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal on Oct. 31, but rejected his first bid to call a snap election two weeks before the scheduled exit.

 

After wresting control of the day's parliamentary agenda from Johnson, the House of Commons backed a bill that would force the government to request a three-month Brexit delay rather than leave without a divorce agreement.

 

Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would agree to hold an early election once the bill passed the upper house of parliament, the House of Lords, and became law, something that could happen on Monday. He did not, however, say whether he agreed with Johnson's choice of date.

 

The current parliament's bid to tie Johnson's hands leaves Brexit up in the air, with possible outcomes ranging from a no-deal exit from the EU to abandoning the whole endeavour - both outcomes that would be unacceptable to swathes of the United Kingdom's voters.

 

An alliance of opposition lawmakers and rebels from Johnson's Conservative Party voted 329-300 and then 327-299 for the bill in the second and third readings.

 

Johnson said the bill had scuppered his Brexit negotiations with the EU and was designed to overturn the 2016 referendum on leaving the bloc.

 

"It's therefore a bill without precedent in the history of this house, seeking as it does to force the prime minister with a pre-drafted letter to surrender in international negotiations," Johnson told parliament. "I refuse to do this."

 

"This house has left no other option than letting the public decide who they want as prime minister."

 

ELECTION STILL LOOMS

Johnson's proposal for an election on Oct. 15 - a date that would allow him, if he won, to repeal the blocking bill - secured 298 votes to 56, far short of the 434 needed, as Labour abstained.

 

Sterling <GBP=D3> had earlier jumped above $1.22 for the first time since Aug. 30 as investors became slightly more optimistic that a 'no-deal' Brexit could be avoided.

 

Beyond the frantic political manoeuvring, the United Kingdom could still at some point leave the EU with a deal to smooth the transition, leave without a deal, or cancel Brexit.

 

A prospective election would offer three likely alternatives: a Brexiteer government under Johnson; a Labour government led by veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn, who has promised a fresh referendum with staying in the EU as an option; and a 'hung' parliament with a coalition or minority government.

 

"If I am still prime minister after Tuesday the 15th of October, then we will leave on the 31st of October with, I hope, a much better deal," he told parliament.

 

Johnson said he hoped to get a new deal at an EU summit scheduled for Oct. 17-18, but his opponents doubt he can achieve a better deal than the one his predecessor Theresa May negotiated but failed to get through parliament.

 

Opponents of Brexit say an acrimonious 'no-deal' departure would be a disaster for what was one of the West’s most stable democracies, shattering supply chains, damaging global growth, and weakening Britain’s standing in the world.

 

Many supporters of Brexit, though, say those fears are overblown and that, while there may be short-term disruption, it would provide a clean break from the struggling bloc and allow the United Kingdom to thrive.

 

RESHAPING POLITICS

In a sign of how far Brexit has distorted British politics, Johnson's Conservatives said on Tuesday they were expelling 21 rebels - including the grandson of Britain's World War Two leader Winston Churchill and two former finance ministers - from the party for seeking to block any 'no-deal' exit.

 

Yet despite Johnson's efforts to up the ante, the EU has refused to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement reached with May.

 

In Brussels, British and EU diplomats made clear there was no immediate prospect of substantive negotiations on a divorce deal as Britain's new negotiator arrived for talks.

 

And Ireland said Johnson had not yet presented any solutions to address the backstop - the toughest part of the Brexit impasse, concerning checks on the land border between the Irish Republic and the British province of Northern Ireland.

 

There were reports in British newspapers that Johnson's top adviser Dominic Cummings had described negotiations as a sham.

 

Asked on Wednesday if that was how he saw the Brexit negotiations with the EU, Cummings told Reuters: "No. I never said that."

 

In one piece of good news for Johnson, a Scottish court ruled on Wednesday that his decision to suspend parliament later this month was lawful.

 

(Writing by Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-09-05

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[sirineou]

It is getting hard to follow the plot. When they make the movie , they should have a voice over .

Nominations on who should play the cast. I nominate Jeff Daniels for Boris. 

[AlexRich]

Read that Corbyn will wait until after 31 October ... 

[Laughing Gravy]

The self serving MPs from all parties are nothing but sit houses. Corbyn is a weasel. calls for an election all year and is given one an opportunity. Obviously he is scared and knows that the country as so many here like to quote the polls would put the Cons back in and end this farce.

 

More fuel for the Brexit party.

[Samui Bodoh]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The British parliament voted on Wednesday to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal on Oct. 31, but rejected his first bid to call a snap election two weeks before the scheduled exit.

 

A guy walks into a bar, sits on a stool and orders a drink.

 

"Hey Barkeep!" he said, " I heard a good one. What's the difference between Teresa May and Boris Johnson?".

 

"I give up. What?".

 

""Nothing!"

 

 

What a Cluster<deleted>!

 

 

 

[CharlieH]

Post in foreign language removed

[Orac]

Corbyn will wait until after prorogation to call a vote of no confidence. If he wins under FtPA there will then be 14 days for parliament to select another PM leading up to 31st Oct meaning they can quickly put in another PM to request an extension from EU if Johnson refuses.

[OneMoreFarang]

1 hour ago, Laughing Gravy said:

The self serving MPs from all parties are nothing but sit houses. Corbyn is a weasel. calls for an election all year and is given one an opportunity. Obviously he is scared and knows that the country as so many here like to quote the polls would put the Cons back in and end this farce.

 

More fuel for the Brexit party.

Can you read?

Are you able to listen?

Because if you are able to do that then you would know that Corbyn said he supports an election AFTER No-Deal Brexit is blocked. Because he cares for the UK and he knows No-Deal is a catastrophe.

 

Corbyn is far away from perfect but what he does about the No-No-Deal and the election makes perfect sense.

Maybe have a look at the news - it helps us all to understand what is going on.

[OneMoreFarang]

It's the year 2819. Today we celebrate the annual 'Brexit extension'. Noone really knows where this tradition comes from, nor what the term 'brexit' means, but as part of the festivities the dumbest man that can be found is given all the power and a blonde wig. Later when the celebrations are over the youths have to clean up the utter mess left behind.

 

https://old.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/czayez/bbc_news_pm_loses_key_vote_on_brexit/eyx80y3/

[DannyCarlton]

2 minutes ago, Orac said:

Corbyn will wait until after prorogation to call a vote of no confidence. If he wins under FtPA there will then be 14 days for parliament to select another PM leading up to 31st Oct meaning they can quickly put in another PM to request an extension from EU if Johnson refuses.

Nope. You can't trust Johnson. He's proving himself to be the slimiest toad in toad hall (under Cummings' tutelage). He must wait until Boris has delivered the request to the EU, seen the EU accept and grant the extension and see it enacted, i.e. post October 31st. Expect Corbyn to call for an election, probably via a vote of no confidence, on or around November 1st.

[Laughing Gravy]

3 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Because he cares for the UK and he knows No-Deal is a catastrophe.

The most funny thing I have read this year.

 

Corbyn knows he will lose.

 

Again self serving MP's.

5 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Corbyn is far away from perfect but what he does about the No-No-Deal and the election makes perfect sense.

Anyone with any common sense knows that it is all about keeping the UK in the EU.

 

The rest of your post is just arrogance.

[Orac]

Nope. You can't trust Johnson. He's proving himself to be the slimiest toad in toad hall (under Cummings' tutelage). He must wait until Boris has delivered the request to the EU, seen the EU accept and grant the extension and see it enacted, i.e. post October 31st. Expect Corbyn to call for an election, probably via a vote of no confidence, on or around November 1st.

Not sure on that but things are moving that quickly anything can happen.

A confidence vote between 17th and 31st Oct gives Parliament full control since they have a mechanism to change the PM immediately themselves if Johnson does not request and accept an extension if it is legislated for. Also the EU heads of state meeting will have taken place where they will be able to agree if an extension is on the table in response to laws passed in parliament.

Another interesting situation of Johnson’s own making now is there are now some eminent ex Tory MPs who would be able to fill the slot of temporary PMs who would stand a better chance of getting approve by parliament who will not be standing as Conservatives in a future election such as Ken Clarke and Rory Stewart. Bottom line is, if Johnson goes against decisions and laws passed in parliament they must take control of the timeline.


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[Snow Leopard]

25 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Can you read?

Are you able to listen?

Because if you are able to do that then you would know that Corbyn said he supports an election AFTER No-Deal Brexit is blocked. Because he cares for the UK and he knows No-Deal is a catastrophe.

 

Corbyn is far away from perfect but what he does about the No-No-Deal and the election makes perfect sense.

Maybe have a look at the news - it helps us all to understand what is going on.

This is a farce to say the least. Deal or no deal. Brexit or not. But Corbyn in power is the worst option ever. Name me one Socialist state that has ever worked or lasted. Corbyn would bankrupt the UK totally. Below is a satellite image of North and South Korea at night. The UK will be next if Corbyn gets into power. So buy candles if he wins. You will need them within 12 months.  

 

 

 

 

[sammieuk1]

Bulldog Boris shot down by a Junker and half his own side and now so wounded he cant even win a vote of no confidence in himself????  

[DannyCarlton]

50 minutes ago, Orac said:

A confidence vote between 17th and 31st Oct gives Parliament full control since they have a mechanism to change the PM immediately themselves

Not the case. In the event of a no confidence vote, the Queen would invite Corbyn to form a government. It's doubtful he would be able to do that, parliament would be dissolved and a snap election called.

 

It may have been possible if he had accepted an alternative interim leader, he's point blank refused to do that. Shame, one of the alternatives proposed was Ken Clark, father of the house and a great statesman. Put principles before self in refusing to vote with the Government and accepted his sacking with magnanimity. A true gentleman.

 

Last night, he stood up, a couple of rows behind Johnson and proceeded to rip Johnson to shreds...in the nicest possible way. Johnson turned round and tried to give him the death stare but he quickly turned back as he realised that it was Ken giving him the death stare. He didn't miss a beat and continued to dismantle Johnson, who just slid further and further into his seat. Game, set and match. One of the great parliamentary moments.

 

 

 

[Laughing Gravy]

13 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Bulldog Boris shot down by a Junker and half his own side and now so wounded he cant even win a vote of no confidence in himself????  

By half of his own side????  Can you show us this half of the conservatives voted against him or is it your usual fake news.

[vogie]

Johnson to Corbyn: We all know how much he hates trade deals with America, but from where I'm standing there is only one clorinated chicken here, and he is sat on the front bench opposite. ????????

[JonnyF]

Corbyn gets offered an election and turns it down ????

 

What an unelectable shower of sheite that man is. Shows the hypocrisy of the Remainers who have been crying out for a vote but deep down know they would lose. And they were claiming Leavers were scared of  a vote.

 

Looks like another delay is on the cards unless the Lords filibuster for a week or Johnson ignores this new law. I guess their latest stroke of genius is to pray that Brexiteers give up and forget about it, top plan ????????

[sammieuk1]

15 minutes ago, Laughing Gravy said:

By half of his own side????  Can you show us this half of the conservatives voted against him or is it your usual fake news.

He lost again get over it????

[Topdoc]

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Can you read?

Are you able to listen?

Because if you are able to do that then you would know that Corbyn said he supports an election AFTER No-Deal Brexit is blocked. Because he cares for the UK and he knows No-Deal is a catastrophe.

 

Corbyn is far away from perfect but what he does about the No-No-Deal and the election makes perfect sense.

Maybe have a look at the news - it helps us all to understand what is going on.

Actually you need to follow the news! 

Let me summarise for you:

The EU is only giving the UK 3 options,

1) The old WA agreement (a bad deal which has been rejected by parliament 3 times)

2) No Deal (which has just been rejected by parliament)

3) An extension to remain in the EU

It's therefore clear that parliament is surreptitiously going for option 3)

BUT THE PEOPLE VOTED TO LEAVE.

 

 

[vogie]

4 minutes ago, Victornoir said:

The lowest level of political dialogue. Johnson is not even funny anymore.

You obviously don't understand our humour, Johnson is a wordsmith.

[Laughing Gravy]

10 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

He lost again get over it????

So once again you are telling lies. Yes he lost I am not denying that but continually write untruths. Half of the conservatives or his own side as you put it, is total rollocks even with your annoying smiley it is still fake news.

[Orac]

27 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

Not the case. In the event of a no confidence vote, the Queen would invite Corbyn to form a government. It's doubtful he would be able to do that, parliament would be dissolved and a snap election called.

 

It may have been possible if he had accepted an alternative interim leader, he's point blank refused to do that. Shame, one of the alternatives proposed was Ken Clark, father of the house and a great statesman. Put principles before self in refusing to vote with the Government and accepted his sacking with magnanimity. A true gentleman.

 

Last night, he stood up, a couple of rows behind Johnson and proceeded to rip Johnson to shreds...in the nicest possible way. Johnson turned round and tried to give him the death stare but he quickly turned back as he realised that it was Ken giving him the death stare. He didn't miss a beat and continued to dismantle Johnson, who just slid further and further into his seat. Game, set and match. One of the great parliamentary moments.

 

 

 

 

The FtPA allows 14 days for another PM to be found who commands the confidence of parliament so not a given that Queen would call for Corbyn without that confirmation from parliament. By him agreeing to a temporary PM in Clarke or another Tory who has had the whip withdrawn it gives him another chance to cause further chaos within the Cons immediately prior to an election which must be tempting for him.

[ardsong]

I laugh my a.. off at the British democracy ????????

UK will force Boris to bag for a delay in Brexit, which he don't want. He now realise that EU has the upper say as they can help him to go out of EU by 31 Oct.

Boris goes to Brussels, tail between his legs, and advice Brussel to reject the UK request.

Boris back to London to tell his "defeat" and offers the UK Parliament to either leave without no deal, which the Parliament apparently not want, or to accept the "may" brexit deal, which the Parliament not want.

Now if UK Parliament does nothing, the UK will fall out of EU automatically at 31 Oct without a deal.

 

<> So my guess is that in the end the British Parliament will vote for the May Brexit deal and leaves 31 Oct with a deal and the back stop. Would that be nice ? ????

[DannyCarlton]

Just now, vogie said:

You obviously don't understand our humour, Johnson is a wordsmith.

The humour of a stammering 10 year old schoolboy. But I guess some people like that.

 

Watched it live. Even the people sat around him were embarrased.

[vogie]

1 minute ago, DannyCarlton said:

The humour of a stammering 10 year old schoolboy. But I guess some people like that.

 

Watched it live. Even the people sat around him were embarrased.

You are letting your imagination run wild again, your hatred of Boris and the Tory Party tends to taint your views.

[Laughing Gravy]

3 minutes ago, ardsong said:

I laugh my a.. off at the British democracy

Enlighten us where your democracy is from. Whilst I am appalled  at the way our self serving MP's behave the British democracy as you put it, has been copied and implemented across many parts of the globe, successfully.

 

4 minutes ago, ardsong said:

So my guess is that in the end the Britisch parlement will vote for the May Brexit deal and leaves 31 Oct with a deal. Would that be nice ?

So 3 times it has been defeated and you guess they will now change their minds.

 

When there is a GE many of these MP's will be out.

 

The rest of your post isn't worth a response in case your wondering.

[sammieuk1]

1 minute ago, Laughing Gravy said:

So once again you are telling lies. Yes he lost I am not denying that but continually write untruths. Half of the conservatives or his own side as you put it, is total rollocks even with your annoying smiley it is still fake news.

???? Don't you love it when a Brexiteer gets all bitter and twisted and starts insulting emojis as the only defence left???????? 

[vogie]

9 minutes ago, Victornoir said:

In Brussels they understood your humor...

 

In all honesty I don't think laughing while Paris burns is humour.

[Totoandlilly]

And after one more election then another 3 years of talk and no action right? Stop being a EU puppet, they simply fear EU because EU is all about tyranny and anti-democratic, show those commies in Brussel that the country will be democratic again.