Published 23:02 IST, September 3rd 2019
Boris Johnson loses parliamentary majority as MP joins Lib Dems
Only a month after taking over as the UK’s new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson lost his working majority in Parliament as Tory MP Phillip Lee joined Lib Dems.
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Only a month after taking over as the UK’s new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson lost his working majority in parliament after Tory MP Phillip Lee sided with the pro-EU Liberal Democrats. This comes ahead of a showdown with rebel MPs over Brexit that could lead to a snap election within weeks.
Conservative govt pursuing Brexit in unprincipled ways: Lee
Lee shared a letter to the Prime Minister and explained that he has reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible to serve his constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative Member of Parliament. "This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways. It is putting lives and livelihoods at risk unnecessarily and it is wantonly endangering the integrity of the United Kingdom," Lee wrote in the letter.
After a great deal of thought, I have reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible to serve my constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative Member of Parliament. My letter to the Prime Minister: pic.twitter.com/0QreSbSdwR
— Dr Phillip Lee MP (@DrPhillipLeeMP) September 3, 2019
"Resign", lawmakers shout
On a day of high drama and acerbic debate in the House of Commons, lawmakers returned from their summer recess to confront Johnson over his insistence that the U.K. leaves the European Union on Oct. 31, even without a withdrawal agreement to cushion the economic blow. Many shouted, “Resign!”
Rebel Brexit law will destroy negotiations: UK PM
PM Johnson said that he had achieved "real momentum" in Brexit talks with the European Union over the summer. He added that lawmakers' bid to pass a law to block a no-deal exit would destroy the negotiations. In an attempt to seize control of parliamentary time, lawmakers opposed to a no-deal exit plan to pass the legislation. Reacting to this, Johnson said it would force to beg for yet another pointless delay. The PM added that it would destroy any chance of negotiations.
The Prime Minister took the office in July and promised to take action on the 2016 referendum vote for Britain's exit from European Union, with or without an agreement. The Prime Minister has also threatened to expel the conservative MP's who join the main opposition, Labour Party. However, the rebels who have been one of the main members of the party have replied sarcastically on Television, social media and newspapers. The attorney general in David Cameron's government has pointed out PM Borris's threats to the party members as his ruthlessness.
Pound falls to lowest amid Brexit turmoil
The pivotal days of Brexit are also raising concerns for international investors. The pound sterling fell as low as $1.1960 on September 3, down about a cent after yesterday, stabilizing around $1.1990. This is deemed as the lowest level since “flash crash” in October 2016 when uncertainty was high.
(with inputs from AP)
21:46 IST, September 3rd 2019