Brexit: Boris Johnson’s Government Loses Working Majority After MP Defects To Liberal Democrats
"Only one person can avert a no-deal Brexit. And that’s Boris Johnson"
Isabel Togoh Forbes Staff
Sep 3, 2019, 12:01pm
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What happens now: Tonight MPs will vote on seizing control of the Commons in order to try and rush through law which will force Johnson to ask for a three-month extension to the Brexit deadline unless a deal is reached by October 19. Time is short because Johnson will suspend, or prorogue, Parliament from September 9, during which time MPs will not sit for around five weeks.
If tonight’s vote doesn’t go in favor of the opposition, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn could table a vote of no confidence which, if Johnson loses, gives opposition MPs 14 days to form an alternative government, while Johnson could also use this time to persuade his colleagues to allow him to carry on. But if the opposition wins, Number 10 has threatened to call a general election on October 14.
Otherwise, MPs will have to cross their fingers that Johnson can renegotiate a deal with the EU before his “do or die” Halloween deadline, something which the trading bloc has shown unwillingness to do.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said that, while he would campaign to remain in such a scenario, the Labour party’s position was subject to “democratic process”.
McDonnell told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think generally people want to provide the electorate with a choice. I’ve made it clear from my personal position that I’ll be campaigning for Remain. I think that’s the best choice.”
But Corbyn refused to answer directly when asked if he personally would support Remain in a people’s vote.
What are the odds of a second referendum going ahead?
According to the bookmakers .. https://www.oddschecker.com/politics/brexit/2nd-eu-referendum , Corbyn’s lukewarm support for a referendum and Boris Johnson’s dogged desire to avoid one at all costs means the odds are against the so-called People’s Vote, with 1/25 against another poll, and 12/1 for.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly resisted calls to hold a second referendum, insisting that the UK would leave the EU on 31 October with or without a deal, in accordance with the result of the 2016 vote.
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