UK lawmakers stall final Brexit decision
Parliament wants delay; PM Johnson is defiant
– In a surprise move, opposition and rebel British lawmakers voted Saturday to postpone an important Brexit vote, legally forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to request a delay to Britain’s departure from the European Union.
Johnson immediately said he would not negotiate a delay.
The outcome, and Johnson’s response, injects new confusion and uncertainty into the Brexit process and piles pressure on Britain’s leader just three months into his tenure. Johnson has repeatedly vowed not to delay Britain’s EU exit beyond Oct. 31.
His government argued that any delay increases the likelihood of a “nodeal” Brexit, which experts warn could harm Britain’s economy and lead to border chaos. “I will not negotiate a delay, nor does the law force me to,” Johnson said, reacting to the 322-306 vote. He said he was “undaunted” by the defeat and would try to introduce legislation this week to implement his EU exit deal.
That could happen as early as Monday. It was an important moment in the prolonged bid to end the Brexit stalemate and one that could have far-reaching consequences for Brexit, Johnson and the trajectory of the country more than three years after Britain narrowly voted to leave the bloc.
It’s not clear what happens next. Lawmakers were scheduled to vote Saturday on a new withdrawal deal Johnson negotiated with the EU. The day had been dubbed “Super Saturday.” But a last-minute motion tabled by opposition and rebel lawmakers closed down that vote.
The law requires Johnson to now ask the EU for a delay to Brexit by 11 p.m. London time (6 p.m. ET). Johnson said his policy remains “unchanged.”
Jeremy Corbyn, head of the opposition Labour Party, urged Johnson to comply with the law and said Saturday’s defeat was an “emphatic” rejection of Johnson’s plan.
Anand Menon, a professor of politics and Brexit specialist at King’s College London, was asked in an interview on BBC television whether Johnson’s refusal to ask for an extension was just bluster. “I would have to assume so, GIVLONDON en the fact that I can’t think of an alternative that wouldn’t be in breach of a very, very clear law,” he said.
Johnson now faces the humiliation of Brexit unraveling after repeatedly promising to get it done by Oct 31. Earlier this year, Parliament passed separate legislation that compels the prime minister to ask the EU for a Brexit extension to avert a “no-deal” Brexit. Johnson has been noncommittal about his willingness to abide by that law, too. Johnson could be forced out of office. He could resign. An election might be triggered.
Meanwhile, the EU has not fully committed to granting another extension, even as it wants to avoid a “nodeal” Brexit because the EU’S economy, security arrangements and other infrastructure are linked to Britain’s.