United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again

By Guy Faulconbridge and Elizabeth Piper

 

FILE PHOTO: A polling station sign is seen ahead of the forthcoming general election in London, Britain, December 11, 2019. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Voters go to the polls on Thursday in an election that will pave the way for Brexit under Prime Minister Boris Johnson or propel Britain towards another referendum that could ultimately reverse the decision to leave the European Union.

 

After failing to deliver Brexit by an Oct. 31 deadline, Johnson called the Dec. 12 election to break what he cast as political paralysis that had thwarted Britain's departure and sapped confidence in the economy.

 

The face of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, 55-year-old Johnson fought the election under the slogan of "Get Brexit Done", promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police.

 

His main opponent, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, 70, promised higher public spending, nationalisation of key services, taxes on the wealthy and another referendum on Brexit.

 

All major opinion polls suggest Johnson will win, though pollsters got the 2016 referendum wrong and their models predict outcomes ranging from a hung parliament to the biggest Conservative landslide since the era of Margaret Thatcher.

 

"We could have a Conservative majority government which will get Brexit done and unleash Britain’s potential," Johnson told campaigners. "This election is our chance to end the gridlock but the result is on a knife-edge."

 

Corbyn said the Conservatives were the party of "billionaires" while Labour represented the many.

 

"You can vote for despair and vote for the dishonesty of this government, or you can vote Labour and get a government that can bring hope to the future," he said.

 

Polls open at 0700 GMT and close at 2200 GMT when an exit poll will give the first indications of the result. Official results from the bulk of United Kingdom's 650 different constituencies begin to come in from 2300 GMT to 0500 GMT.

 

While Brexit framed the United Kingdom's first December election since 1923, the tortuous exit from the EU has variously fatigued, enthused and enraged voters while eroding loyalties to the two major parties.

 

A majority would allow Johnson to lead the country out of the club it first joined in 1973, but Brexit would still be far from over. He faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU in a self-imposed deadline of 11 months.

 

After Jan. 31, Britain would enter a transition period during which it would negotiate a new relationship with the EU27. He has pledged to do that by the end of 2020.

 

BREXIT AND BORIS

Sterling markets are pricing in a Johnson win. But a five-year flurry of two historic referendums - on Scottish independence in 2014 and Brexit in 2016 - and two national elections in 2015 and 2017 have delivered often unexpected results that ushered in political crises.

 

The election pitches two of the most unconventional British politicians of recent years against each other. Both have been repeatedly written off by opponents and both offer starkly different visions for the world's fifth largest economy.

 

Johnson's pitch is Brexit but he shrank from anything more radical in a heavily choreographed campaign. Corbyn pitched what he calls a radical transformation for a country long wedded to free-market liberalism.

 

Johnson, the New York-born former mayor of London, won the top job in July. His predecessor, Theresa May, resigned after failing to get parliamentary backing for her Brexit deal with the EU and then losing her party's majority in a snap election.

 

Johnson defied critics by striking a new deal with the EU but was unable to navigate the maze of a divided British parliament and was defeated by opponents whom he portrayed as traitors subverting the will of the people.

 

The United Kingdom voted by 52%-48% in 2016 to quit the EU. But parliament has been deadlocked since May's failed bet on a 2017 snap election over how, when and even whether to leave.

 

MISSTEPS

Corbyn, once an opponent of the EU who now says he would remain neutral if he was a prime minister overseeing another referendum, was repeatedly grilled over his Brexit plans. He pledged to overthrow a "rigged system" he said was run by billionaires and tax dodgers.

 

Both made missteps during the campaign.

 

Johnson in one interview refused to look at a picture of a sick four-year-old boy forced to lie on the floor of a hospital and then inexplicably took the phone from a reporter and pocketed it. He later apologised.

 

Corbyn, a veteran campaigner for Palestinian rights, repeatedly avoided apologising for what some party members, lawmakers and Jewish leaders say is his failure to tackle anti-Semitism from some elements within the party. He apologised eventually.

 

Johnson's strategy was to breach Labour's so called "Red Wall" of seats across the Brexit-supporting areas of the Midlands and northern England where he described his political opponents as the out-of-touch enemies of Brexit.

 

"If I’m honest with you, there’s no choice," said voter Andrew Davis, from Kent in southern England. "I don’t like any of the main candidates, so I’m struggling."

 

(Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Philippa Fletcher)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-12-12

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If there was an option for "none of the above" on this poll, I think it would win.....

National politics is such a dumpster fire these days. Not just the UK. I can't imagine what things will be like in 5 years. Nothing good I assume.

If I’m honest with you, there’s no choice," said voter Andrew Davis, from Kent in southern England. "I don’t like any of the main candidates, so I’m struggling."

 

Your one of 20 million Andrew???? 

This is going to be good, I can tell, hope there is a sequel.

30 minutes ago, tebee said:

If there was an option for "none of the above" on this poll, I think it would win.....

Nah, Corbyn is gifted at making everyone else look good.

 

what a weird heading;

 

United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again

 

and I sincerely hope that the heading is all wrong

brexit or no brexit, it's still a shambles for the UK whatever happens. How anyone could vote for johnson is beyond a joke and same could be said about corbyn.

 

As for the parties, the Tories have decimated a working population's trust, and labour is living in the past. As for the Lib Dems, electing yet another woman as party leader  - a post, tainted by Theresa May - has been a rapid downhill path to obscurity. 

 

The Raving Loony party looks the best bet, IMO - and for justifiable reasons..

Well if this election really is all about Brexit the Tories will walk it.

 

Let's look at the last few years.

 

1. The public votes for a party promising a referendum on the EU question.

2. The 2016 referendum result is a resounding Leave by over a million votes (on a record voter turnout).

3. 85% of the public then votes for parties promising to respect the result.

4. As Brexit looks increasingly unlikely the Brexit party is formed and romps home at the Euro elections.

 

Now, only one main party is offering a real Brexit. 

 

It's not difficult to see how this will go. I just hope the minority losers can accept the result this time and don't ask for a re-run because the majority didn't know what they were voting for and all those other ridiculous arguments we've had to listen to for over 3 years. Hopefully they've learnt something from the damage they've done to the country by refusing to give losers consent, a core requirement of a mature, functioning Democracy.

 

 

 

1 minute ago, JonnyF said:

Well if this election really is all about Brexit the Tories will walk it.

 

Let's look at the last few years.

 

1. The public votes for a party promising a referendum on the EU question.

2. The 2016 referendum result is a resounding Leave by over a million votes (on a record voter turnout).

3. 85% of the public then votes for parties promising to respect the result.

4. As Brexit looks increasingly unlikely the Brexit party is formed and romps home at the Euro elections.

 

Now, only one main party is offering a real Brexit. 

 

It's not difficult to see how this will go. I just hope the minority losers can accept the result this time and don't ask for a re-run because the majority didn't know what they were voting for and all those other ridiculous arguments we've had to listen to for over 3 years. Hopefully they've learnt something from the damage they've done to the country by refusing to give losers consent, a core requirement of a mature, functioning Democracy.

 

 

 

Whatever way you spin it, it's FACTUAL that May delivered on the referendum vote, and what johnson would aim to deliver as something new. That Tory MP's didn't like it, and decided to vote against it, has zilch to do with 'minority losers' accepting the result.

 

Please bang another drum, your same same 'losers' rhetoric is not only boring but inaccurate.

The government didn't like the result of the initial referendum so they've stalled for three years to <deleted> everyone off then are holding another election. It's a complete shambles.

51 minutes ago, melvinmelvin said:

 

what a weird heading;

 

United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again

 

and I sincerely hope that the heading is all wrong

It's completly wrong. Should be, "UK votes to decide which party will govern for the next 5 years".

 

It's not a Brexit vote, there are many more issues that will decide on the direction of people's votes.

 

The OP clearly doesnt understand the difference between a referendum and a General Election.

It had already been decided by a vote that we will leave the EU, This is more about how to stop it happening or a way to leave and not really leave but stay as the ATM for Europe.

4 minutes ago, nev said:

It had already been decided by a vote that we will leave the EU, This is more about how to stop it happening or a way to leave and not really leave but stay as the ATM for Europe.

This is a vote to decide who runs the country for the next 5 years. Do you really want that to be Johnson?

 

BTW. A large majority of United supporters voted remain. City supporters voted Brexit. A wolf in sheeps clothing?

We need Dianne as home secretary, imagine the endless laughs that would mean ????

1 hour ago, sammieuk1 said:

If I’m honest with you, there’s no choice," said voter Andrew Davis, from Kent in southern England. "I don’t like any of the main candidates, so I’m struggling."

 

Your one of 20 million Andrew???? 

Vote for their policies, not their leader. ????

7 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

This is a vote to decide who runs the country for the next 5 years. Do you really want that to be Johnson?

 

BTW. A large majority of United supporters voted remain. City supporters voted Brexit. A wolf in sheeps clothing?

It's got nothing to do with football mate, And I don't vote for any now as I am an Ozzie citizen.

5 minutes ago, Orton Rd said:

We need Dianne as home secretary, imagine the endless laughs that would mean ????

Dianne would appear to have been put into quarantine for the duration of this election, what a state of affairs when the Labour Party are too embarassed to parade a future home secretary in front of the cameras, a total disgrace.

3 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

This is a vote to decide who runs the country for the next 5 years. Do you really want that to be Johnson?

 

BTW. A large majority of United supporters voted remain. City supporters voted Brexit. A wolf in sheeps clothing?

So that's a good idea  why not letting those 2 teams make a game out of it …..nah …. probably another draw even...I guess  and ending finally in tossing a coin …?

7 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

This is a vote to decide who runs the country for the next 5 years. Do you really want that to be Johnson?

 

BTW. A large majority of United supporters voted remain. City supporters voted Brexit. A wolf in sheeps clothing?

I would prefere Noddy rather than Corbyn ,so Boris it is for me .

1 minute ago, vogie said:

Dianne would appear to have been put into quarantine for the duration of this election, what a state of affairs when the Labour Party are too embarassed to parade a future home secretary in front of the cameras, a total disgrace.

Well her son managed to get into the news ,spitting in a policemans face . ,so well brought up .

27 minutes ago, stephenterry said:

Whatever way you spin it, it's FACTUAL that May delivered on the referendum vote, and what johnson would aim to deliver as something new. That Tory MP's didn't like it, and decided to vote against it, has zilch to do with 'minority losers' accepting the result.

 

Please bang another drum, your same same 'losers' rhetoric is not only boring but inaccurate.

How can you say May delivered when we haven't left yet. All she did was negotiate a terrible deal which was roundly rejected by ALL parties in the biggest HOC defeat ever. Is that your idea of delivering? It's not mine.

6 minutes ago, david555 said:

So that's a good idea  why not letting those 2 teams make a game out of it …..nah …. probably another draw even...I guess  and ending finally in tossing a coin …?

Recent history shows us it would be United/remain win 2-1. Bring it on.

6 minutes ago, vogie said:

Dianne would appear to have been put into quarantine for the duration of this election, what a state of affairs when the Labour Party are too embarassed to parade a future home secretary in front of the cameras, a total disgrace.

Have to remember she has been busy with her privately educated son who attacked 2 policemen last week biting ones ear, I wonder if they knew who his mum was. The thug appears in court in Feb ???? His defense will probably include the word 'racist'

 

12 minutes ago, Orton Rd said:

We need Dianne as home secretary, imagine the endless laughs that would mean ????

The only laughs in the foreseeable future will be who loses their seats; who gets to gloat-dance the hornpipe on Friday & who ends up crying in their cornflakes when the Tories secure their majority? ????

9 minutes ago, vogie said:

Dianne would appear to have been put into quarantine for the duration of this election, what a state of affairs when the Labour Party are too embarassed to parade a future home secretary in front of the cameras, a total disgrace.

Can you imagine her defending Labour's taxation policy though.

 

"We'll only tax the rich earning over 80,000 pounds per year. That's 20,000 pounds per month. 3000 pounds per day." 

 

Her son spitting at the policeman has taken that from me. So unfair. It would have been Gold. ????

5 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

How can you say May delivered when we haven't left yet. All she did was negotiate a terrible deal which was roundly rejected by ALL parties in the biggest HOC defeat ever. Is that your idea of delivering? It's not mine.

As I stated, it's factual. Cry all the way to the exit door, but it won't change things - and also bear in mind that johnson's so called deal of the century is similar.

14 minutes ago, vogie said:

Dianne would appear to have been put into quarantine for the duration of this election, what a state of affairs when the Labour Party are too embarassed to parade a future home secretary in front of the cameras, a total disgrace.

The same can be said of Thornbury.

1 minute ago, evadgib said:

The same can be said of Thornbury.

The most obvious absentee from the campaign is Rees-Mogg. Probably asleep on a bench somewhere catching up on his reading of Diogenes the Cynic.

59 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Well if this election really is all about Brexit the Tories will walk it.

 

Let's look at the last few years.

 

1. The public votes for a party promising a referendum on the EU question.

2. The 2016 referendum result is a resounding Leave by over a million votes (on a record voter turnout).

3. 85% of the public then votes for parties promising to respect the result.

4. As Brexit looks increasingly unlikely the Brexit party is formed and romps home at the Euro elections.

 

Now, only one main party is offering a real Brexit. 

 

It's not difficult to see how this will go. I just hope the minority losers can accept the result this time and don't ask for a re-run because the majority didn't know what they were voting for and all those other ridiculous arguments we've had to listen to for over 3 years. Hopefully they've learnt something from the damage they've done to the country by refusing to give losers consent, a core requirement of a mature, functioning Democracy.

I doubt if the Brexit I prefer (full umbilical severance) is the one that he'll deliver but his will be the nearest we're likely to get.

 

I will submit an FoI in or around 2021 when it's all done and dusted in the hope of exposing any hidden extras they're likely to slip in (& I'm sure I won't be alone in doing so!)