Brexit vote setback for Boris Johnson in Parliament
Johnson was defiant in responding to the result, despite conceding that the so-called “meaningful vote” on his divorce agreement with Brussels “has been voided of meaning”. But he added: “The best thing for the UK and for the whole of Europe is for us to leave with this new deal on October 31.”
“I will not negotiate a delay with the EU, and neither does the law compel me to do so,” he said. Johnson earlier argued that further delay — more than three years after the landmark 2016 referendum to leave the bloc — would be “pointless, expensive and deeply corrosive”.
Boris Johnson seeks MPs support for Brexit deal in new race against time. After its approval by EU leaders, the new Brexit deal faces a formidable hurdle at Westminster in a crucial vote on Saturday. MPs could still meet the October 31 deadline when the government introduces its formal withdrawal agreement bill in parliament next week.
In opting to back a delay, they are seeking to ensure they do not run out of time debating it and deliver by accident the no-deal Brexit they oppose. Separate legislation passed last month requires Johnson to write to the EU requesting an extension if a deal has not been passed by October 19.Johnson has said he would rather be “dead in a ditch” than ask for more time, but has also promised to obey the law.
Pro-Brexit MPs given police escorts through Westminster protests
Conservative MPs including Andrea Leadsom, Michael Gove and Jacob Rees-Mogg were given police escorts from Parliament due to the presence of protesters at the anti-Brexit rally in central London.
Videos posted on social media show the politicians being escorted by police as protesters waving EU flags shout lines such as “shame on you”. Sky News journalist Jason Farrell tweeted a video of Michael Gove walking to his car, flanked by several police officers.
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg was walking from Parliament with his son as protesters surrounded them.
“Thank goodness for our superb police. Just walked home safely from HoC with their protection – why do the so called ‘People’s Vote’ protesters think it’s ok to abuse, intimidate and scream in the face of someone they don’t agree with? So frightening, and so grateful to the police,” Andrea Leadsom tweeted.
(With Agency Inputs ).
