Brexit by Saiorse McKnight Posner

For the last three years, there has been a never-ending bombardment of Brexit news. To the point
where I’d say the majority of us can no longer keep up or even bother to. As we reach the so-called
deadline of 31 st October, there has been a rapid flow of events regarding Brexit and the question of
will it ever happen. So, here I have attempted to summarise the events of the last week or so whilst we have been on half-term so that we can be up to date and informed on the most recent decisions.

Boris Johnson, Conservative Party leader 

17th October- Johnson was able to agree a Brexit deal with the EU. In this deal, they have agreed to keep Northern Ireland aligned with a set of rules regarding the EU’s
single market so that they can avoid a hard border which is unfavourable for all sides. However
Northern Ireland will remain part of the UKs customs territory. Moreover, the Northern Irish
assembly will have a say on the long-term application of EU laws in Northern Ireland.

19th October- The MPs backed a Brexit deal delay, as the Letwin amendment passed 322 to 306. This meant that by law, Boris Johnson was required to write a letter to the EU requesting an extension. However, Johnson, claiming that this would be a mistake, did not sign the letter and sent an accompanying letter stating so.

22nd October- This was a rather significant date as, for the first time, MPs voted for the withdrawal
agreement, 329 to 299. May attempted this on three separate occasions but was unsuccessful.
Despite this, the vote on the parliamentary timetable, suggesting that the House of Commons have
two days to debate and scrutinize the bill, when it would usually be significantly longer, was lost.
Many felt that it would be dangerous to rush such an important decision. Johnson stated that he
was very disappointed and suggested a general election.

24th October- Johnson announced his intention to vote for a general election on 12 th December. He
believes we need a stronger parliament so we can move forward. The weakness in our current
parliament is due to the fact that the Conservatives don’t hold a majority. Initially, their majority was
only secured with the 10 seats of the DUP. Now, after nearly 30 MPs either resigned or expelled for
rebelling in votes (by voting against a no-deal Brexit), they do not hold a majority. This means that
they must convince their opposition to vote for their preference. Jeremy Corbyn said that the Labour
party would not support a general election until a no-deal Brexit was ‘off the table’.

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party leader

28th October- The vote for the election did not pass, as under the 2011 fixed term parliament act
two-thirds of the 650 MPs needed to vote for it, yet only 299 did. That was all of the Conservatives
but most of Labour, SNP and DUP abstained. For many, a December election is undesirable which is
why there has not been one since 1923. Early sunsets can make campaigning difficult and students
might find it hard to travel between two residences after term-time. Additionally, usual voting
stations may be unavailable in the run up to Christmas.

Furthermore, the EU agreed to a flextension until the 31 st January. This confirms that we will not
leave on 31 st October, as Johnson promised. Instead, as it is a ‘flexible’ extension, we are able to
leave before the set date if we have a deal or leave on the 31 st January without one.

Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat leader

29th October- Another vote on the general election will be held as a one-line bill, meaning that it
requires a lower threshold for approval. All stages of said bill will be debated on the one day even
though it usually takes several. Conservatives are hoping for 12 th December, or a compromise of the
11th, as it is realistically the latest feasible date. The Lib Dems and SNP may support it but they want
it to be held on 9th December as it will prevent the Prime Minister approving a deal before parliament is dissolved (Parliament must be dissolved a minimum of 25 working days before an
election). Corbyn said that he will support it as the flextension removes the possibility of a no-deal
Brexit. Yet not all Labour MPs are onboard with some saying it was a ‘bad mistake’ and calling for
another referendum.

If MPs do back this vote, it is highly likely that there will be a December election, assuming it is
cleared by the House of Lords.

Updates may be required by time of publication.