MPs block no-deal Brexit agenda, Johnson to bring forth motion for an early election

In Tuesday’s Brexit vote, 21 Conservative members of Parliament (MPs) voted against the government in order to push through a bill blocking no-deal exit from the United Kingdom (UK), the country’s prime minister Boris Johnson took the measure to fire them from the parliamentary party.

In response to the 328 to 301 vote defeat, Johnson said he would bring forward a motion for an early general election.

The BBC said that the UK government intends to hold an election on October 15, which would be two days before the crucial European Union summit in Brussels and days before the Brexit deadline on October 31.

‘Boris Johnson and his government must respect the right of parliamentarians to represent the interests of their constituent,’ Scottish National Party Westminster leader Ian Blackford told the BBC, adding that he was delighted of the “very clear view” the MPs had expressed.

The unprecedented move to sack 21 Conservatives – with many of them long-serving members – reflects just how high the stakes are for Brexit.

Some observers are suggesting a possible reshaping of the Conservative party itself, with a shift in the narrative and direction of the party going forward.

Some members who were expulsed included Winston Churchill’s grandson, Nicholas Soames and Father of the House Kenneth Clarke.

Johnson commented that the MPs’ bill would pass the control of the Brexit talks to the EU, and would bring ‘more dither, more delay, and more confusion’.

The call for the October elections was a move Johnson made with no choice, he said, adding: ‘The people of this country will have to choose.’

The results on Tuesday would mean that the MPs will be able to introduce a cross-party bill which would force the prime minister to request for a delay in Brexit until January 31, unless MPs approve a new deal, or vote in favour of a no-deal exit, by October 19.

The Pound slid to a three-year low against the United States dollar on Tuesday, sinking below US$1.1958, which is the lowest since 2016.

The Pound pared back some losses as of Wednesday morning 2.35am London time, as it was trading at US$1.21011, IG data showed.

Sterling to Euro meanwhile, is down 0.09% from Tuesday, at €0.90728.