BREXIT OR PM MAY EXIT
POLITICIANS in British Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party have triggered a confidence vote in her leadership after Britain’s planned divorce from the European Union was plunged into chaos.
With less than four months left until the United Kingdom is due to exit on March 29, the world’s fifth largest economy was tipping towards crisis, opening up the prospect of a disorderly no-deal divorce or a reversal of Brexit through a referendum.
Graham Brady, the chairman of the party’s socalled 1922 committee, said the threshold of 15 per cent of the parliamentary Conservative Party seeking a confidence vote had been reached.
“The threshold of 15 per cent of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded,” Mr Brady said.
A ballot was to be held on Wednesday evening, London time, in a room at the House of Commons, he said.
“The votes will be counted immediately afterwards and an announcement will be made as soon as possible in the evening,” Mr Brady said.
Brexit is Britain’s most significant political and economic decision since World War II though pro-Europeans fear it will divide the West as it grapples with the presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China.
The ultimate outcome will shape Britain’s $US2.8 trillion economy, have far-reaching consequences for the unity of AP the UK and determine whether London can keep its place as one of the top two global financial centres.
Mrs May could be toppled if 158 of her 315 politicians vote against her.
Her removal would further complicate the Brexit process.
REUTERS