Global News
Brexit/UK Parliament suspended – This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a request to suspend parliament between 10th September to 14th October approved by the Queen. When MPs return from their summer recess next Tuesday, they could have as little as four days in Parliament before it is suspended once more. With the suspension of Parliament so close to the Brexit deadline, it seems that PM Johnson has used this as a strategical ploy to frustrate opposition to the government, as the move could deny lawmakers time to pass legislation that could prevent PM Johnson leaving the European Union without a deal in place. The threat of a “no deal” outcome is seen as a bargaining chip in the latest standoff with the EU, however, opposition parties have reacted with anger to the suspension, stating that the duration of the closure is an insult to democracy and a deliberate attempt to stop Parliament having their say on the Brexit deal.
It is possible, that legislation could be passed this week to block a “no deal” approach if Parliament can act swiftly. However, if they cannot force through legislation, the opposition could then cast a vote of no-confidence in the Government, with the possibility of a Corbyn-led Government as the outcome. If however, no clear majority Government arises in the 14 days after a no-confidence motion, a general election would be called, with a possibility that this could drag on until after the 31st October Brexit deadline, meaning that the UK could leave the EU with no deal in place anyway. The Prime Minister’s hope is that there are no laws passed to block a “no deal” outcome, and that he evades a vote of no-confidence. If this plays out, it would leave PM Johnson free to negotiate with the EU before the Council summit on the 17th October, with his bargaining chip still available, ending with a fresh/better deal which can potentially be passed through Parliament.